The earliest settlement on Burlington Island began in or about 1630, just after Salem, New Jersey was settled by the Swedes. A splintered group of that settlement continued up river and established a settlement on the Island. In 1677, the English arriving on HNS Shields, in driving out the Swedes and dividing what is now Burlington City into 10 parcels aligned along the present day High Street. Each of the original 10 proprietors were given their parcels by grant from the King of England.

As the capital of West Jersey in the early days prior to the 1830's, and the County Seat of Burlington County until the 1850's, Burlington City has been a focal point in the history of New Jersey and the country for over 300 years. Numerous historical figures and events permeate Burlington's existence.