Thump! As they slowly opened their eyes, the friends were no longer on the Kent. They found themselves on High Street in Burlington.

“ Hello,” said a voice behind them. All at once they spun around and Alyssa shouted, “I know you…you’re Benjamin Franklin!”

"Yes, I am and this is my print shop where I print money and many different documents for the colonies. Who are you?”

“I’m Alyssa, and these are my friends Ryan and Nina.”

“ It’s nice to meet you. I’m on my way to have lunch with Samuel Clift at the Blue Anchor Tavern. Why don’t you walk with me, and I’ll show you around the town!” Ben suggested.

“ Who is Samuel Clift?” asked Ryan.

As they walked up High Street they passed the homes of James Fenimore Cooper, and Captain James Lawrence.

Ben explained, “Samuel Clift started a ferry business that makes it possible for us to cross the Delaware River from Burlington to Bristol, Pennsylvania. You wouldn’t believe how much this place has changed since the ferry started. People from Philadelphia come on the ferry to purchase wood products that are shipped from the Pinelands. Many businesses have opened. The first Burlington market opened on High Street where people can buy delicious fruits and vegetables. Our new roads make transportation a lot easier. Now we can travel to the many cities all over New Jersey.”

Just then, Ben greeted a young man that looked like one of their friends from the Lenni Lenape village. As he passed them, Ben told them a very sad story.

" The Lenni Lenape lived peacefully with the Europeans who came to this land. You know, they taught the settlers how to live in the forest, how to plant crops, and …”
“…how to hunt and trap!” Alyssa stated proudly.

“ Yes, but there were problems, too. The Europeans brought new diseases that killed many of the Lenni Lenape. They also saw their forests cleared away for homes, and the animals that they used for food and clothing were being trapped, and their skins sold. The Lenape were very unhappy and began to sell most of their land in New Jersey. To help them, the New Jersey government gave them 3,000 acres of land in Burlington County in 1758. This land, called the Brotherton Reservation, became their home and was the first reservation in the United States. You might know it as Indian Mills.”

“We had no idea that this is what happened. Thank you, Ben, for all of your help. It was great spending time with you,” the children said.

“Likewise,” replied Ben, “It’s been a pleasure. Now, I’m off to have lunch with Sam.”

Ryan turned to his friends and asked, “Are you taking notes? This stuff is great for our Burlington County project.”

“Forget about taking notes? This is an experience we’ll never forget! Let’s head back to the trunk, and by the way it’s my turn!” Alyssa boasted.

Alyssa quickly placed her hand inside the trunk and pulled out a piece of iron ore.

As the friends grabbed hold of it, they suddenly began to spin…and spin…and spin. Hand in hand, with eyes shut tightly, they spiraled down…down… down… until…