Samuel Crowley III precipitated the start of glassworks industry in Crowleytown. The land originally belonged to his father, Samuel Crowley Jr. Crowley III began building in 1851 and by 1857 the property had an eight-pot glass house, 17 residences, a store, a blacksmth shop, and a school. The Mason jar was also first manufactured here.

However, that same year, Crowley III ran into some financial troubles and leased his glass factory. Eventually the glass house was demolished, but Crowleytown remained a viable town until the Depression. Soon after, the state of New Jersey acquired the property and created a picnic area and boat launch there.