Stephanie Marks Sawyer, Author
Books
Settled in 1688 by the Evans family, Mount Laurel originally contained small hamlets like Hartford, Masonville, Fellowship, and Springville. During the 19th century, African Americans established the enclaves of Colemantown, Little Texas, and Petersburg, which served as stops along the Underground Railroad. An self taught healer, named Dr. James Still, known as the black doctor of the pines, is buried in the Colemantown Cemetery. Situated east of the Delaware River in scenic Burlington County, Mount Laurel's farmers regularly trucked their produce to the Campbell Soup Company and shipped their produce to market either by steamboat on the Rancocas Creek or by the Camden & Burlington County Railroad. Through photographs that illustrate the transformation of the area's historical roadways into highways and the residential development of its long-standing farms and peach and apple orchards, Mount Laurel showcases the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of this Burlington County community.
Ms. Sawyer's newest book called "Along the Rancocas Creek." Coming May 5, 2026!
Initially a source of transportation for trade routes and nourishment for the Lenni Lenape Indians, various industries developed adjacent to the creek after the European settlers arrived. There were ironworks, mills, and phosphorus production. Steamships took patrons from Philadelphia up the Rancocas so they could enjoy the amusement parks, hotels, and respite. Others enjoyed paddling a canoe, and some swam in the flowing cedar water. As the area became more residential in the 20th century, the runoff from the development caused the Rancocas to fill in with dirt, sand, and debris. While many of the homes are still there, the industries have relocated or closed down, and most of the creek has reverted back to a simple waterway with a wide variety of birds, wildlife, and vegetation along its banks.
To Purchase
To purchase Mount Laurel directly from the publisher, click here.
To purchase Mount Laurel from Amazon.com, click here.
To purchase Mount Laurel from Barnes and Noble, click here.
To request an autographed copy of Mount Laurel, email the author.
If you are shopping in the shops of Rancocas Woods, you can find Mount Laurel at Creek Mercantile and at Second Time Books.
To purchase Along the Rancocas Creek directly from the publisher, click here.
To purchase Along the Rancocas Creek from Amazon.com, click here.
To purchase Along the Rancocas Creek from Barnes and Noble, click here.
To request an autographed copy of Along the Rancocas Creek, email the author.
If you are shopping in the shops of Rancocas Woods, you will find Along the Rancocas Creek at Creek Mercantile and at Second Time Books.
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