Fortescue, NJ News
Recent Fortescue headlines from local publishers, with direct links to their reporting and related South Jersey coverage.
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Around Fortescue
Local government: Fortescue is part of Downe Township, so its town hall, taxes and local services are the township's. Source
Town hall: Downe Township municipal complex, 288 Main Street, Newport, NJ 08345 · 856-447-3100. Source
Property taxes: the average homeowner's bill in Downe Township was $4,253 in 2025. Property taxes by town
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About Fortescue
At a glance. Fortescue is a fishing and boating village on the Delaware Bay in Downe Township, Cumberland County.
How it got its name. The county describes Fortescue as the oldest and largest of the fishing communities on the Delaware Bay. It is named for John Fortescue.
Places to know. Downe Township calls Fortescue the weakfish capital of the world. Charter boats take visitors out to fish the bay.
History. Downe Township was formed by royal charter in 1748 and incorporated in 1798.
Selling a home. New Jersey requires a certificate for working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and a portable fire extinguisher before a one- or two-family home gets a new owner or tenant. Ask the Downe Township construction office whether anything else is checked before a sale. Rules change, so check with the town before listing.
Sources: Cumberland County: County's towns are what makes the region tick · NJ Department of Labor: 2020 census population by municipality · Downe Township: About · N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3: smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher certificate. Last reviewed October 9, 2026.