Merchantville was primarily farm land until about 1851. Rumors of the coming of the railroad were the impetus for land acquisition. Although the town was originally part of Stockton Township, the citizens of Merchantville petitioned the state to become an incorporated Borough. This became effective 18 May, 1874.

The second growth occurred in the automobile age when feasibility studies for the building of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge were begun in 1914. After the First World War, lots were bought and development began anew. When the bridge opened in 1926, new streets on the southern side of Maple Avenue were cut through, individual homes built and the Borough gradually developed to near its present population.

In addition to improved means of transportation, location was important in the growth of Merchantville. Maple Avenue was on a ridge 80 feet high, the air was ‘pure’, and churches and shopping were convenient.

In 1899, Francis F. Eastlack, local author, described the Borough. ‘Here you have an already established town, healthy, pure air, well lighted, well governed with every convenience befitting a wide awake, prosperous town, and where the people are hospitable and will gladly welcome all who seriously think of locating with them.