Moorestown has announced the acquisition of 730 Marne Highway – also known as the Truxtun House – from Virtua Memorial Hospital of Burlington County, more commonly known as Virtua Mount Holly.
The property dates back to the 18th century and is among the oldest surviving historic homes in Moorestown. Virtua, which purchased the property in 2008, agreed to sell it to the township to support its preservation and historical significance.
Truxtun House comprises four acres tucked between two office buildings. According to the Moorestown Historical Society, the property was originally known as Woodlawn, with its oldest portion likely constructed around 1770 by Joshua Bispham.
One of the site’s most notable residents was Commodore Thomas Truxtun, a distinguished naval officer who served during the Revolutionary War. By 1812, the Truxtun family had relocated to the larger, 40-acre Woodlawn plantation elsewhere in Moorestown.
As part of its ongoing commitment to preserving historic character, Moorestown adopted an ordinance that establishes a historic preservation commission and a designated historic district. In addition to properties located within the latter, seven individual historic sites were designated in the township, including Truxtun House.
The house has been tenant-occupied since 2013 and Virtua at one point considered redevelopment options for it. After adoption of the aforementioned ordinance, Virtua and Moorestown had discussions about conveyance of the Truxtun House to the township as a means of achieving the latter’s goal of preserving the property.
The two entities reached a mutually beneficial agreement that resulted in the home’s acquisition and that allows Moorestown to formally designate and preserve the Truxtun House as an historic site, preserving it for future generations.
“This property and home are an important part of Moorestown’s history,” explained Moorestown Councilwoman Sue Mammarella. “The township is deeply grateful for the cooperative approach taken by Virtua Health throughout this process. Their willingness to work with us allowed for a positive resolution that benefits the entire community.”
