Camden County · Lawnside

Lawnside

Lawnside combines nationally important African American history with a substantial White Horse Pike retail corridor, neighborhood institutions, local dining, and a community-wide 100th-anniversary celebration in 2026.

Lawnside at a glance

2,9552020 CensusOfficial decennial Census population.

3,2002024 ACS-based estimateLatest American Community Survey-based figure used in this guide.

1.41Square milesApproximate municipal area.

100 years1926-2026 centennialLawnside is marking its borough centennial throughout 2026.

A nationally significant Black community

Lawnside grew from a free Black settlement established in the 19th century and became an incorporated borough in 1926. It is widely recognized as the first independent, self-governing African American municipality north of the Mason-Dixon line.

2026 is Lawnside's centennial year. The borough and community organizations are marking 100 years of incorporation with heritage, cultural and community events throughout the year.

History & heritage

Peter Mott House

26 Kings Court. Built around 1845, the house is the oldest known residence in Lawnside and is interpreted as part of the community's Underground Railroad and free-Black-settlement history.

Mount Peace Cemetery

Historic African American cemetery established in 1900. The site includes graves of formerly enslaved people, Civil War veterans, community leaders and other important figures.

Black Heritage Trail

Lawnside and Mount Peace Cemetery are among New Jersey Black Heritage Trail sites, reinforcing the borough's statewide and national historical importance.

Chitlin' Circuit legacy

Lawnside's clubs and entertainment venues were part of the regional Black music and nightlife circuit during segregation, adding jazz, rhythm-and-blues and cultural history to the borough's story.

1926 incorporation

A special election followed the legislation that created Lawnside Borough, establishing its independent municipal government.

Centennial 2026

Community programming in 2026 celebrates Lawnside's civic, cultural and family history across generations.

Local resources

Borough of LawnsideMunicipal departments, meetings, taxes, recreation, notices and public services. Lawnside School DistrictPK3-8 school information, calendars, board resources and job opportunities. Haddon Heights School DistrictHigh-school district serving Lawnside students in grades 9-12. Peter Mott HouseLawnside Historical Society, museum information, programs and community history. Mount Peace CemeteryNational Park Service background on the historic African American cemetery. Lawnside Centennial2026 centennial history, events and community celebration information.

Schools

Lawnside Public School

426 E. Charleston Avenue · PK3-8 · the borough's public elementary/middle school.

Haddon Heights High School

301 Second Avenue, Haddon Heights · serves Lawnside students in grades 9-12 through the regional sending relationship.

Community focus

School, recreation and borough programs remain closely tied to Lawnside's small-community identity.

Churches, cemetery & memorial history

Visible Church

18 Warwick Road.

Grace Temple Baptist Church

15 E. Charleston Avenue.

Mount Pisgah A.M.E. Church

306 Warwick Road. A historic congregation closely connected with Lawnside's African American heritage.

Mount Zion United Methodist Church

134 N. White Horse Pike.

Mount Peace Cemetery

Historic African American cemetery along the White Horse Pike/Mouldy Road area.

Funeral services

No conventional funeral home was verified inside Lawnside during this review; nearby providers should be listed under their actual municipality.

Municipal essentials

Borough Hall

4 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Road · 856-573-6200.

Police & emergencies

Emergency: 911. Current non-emergency and department information is maintained by the borough.

Recreation

Lawnside Park and borough recreation programming support sports, community events and centennial activities.

Explore Lawnside

Business & Shopping Food & Drink Visiting & Lodging

Local information reviewed September 17, 2026. Addresses, hours, menus, projects and operating details can change; confirm time-sensitive information directly with the organization.