Shiloh had its beginning as part of "Danson's Grant", a tract of 3640 acres between Portohonk Creek and Arnuse Creek. This tract of land, later called "Danson Manor", was shown on the map which Edward Moseley published in 1733. William Burgess purchased a large section of Danson Manor and moved his church family, organized in 1727, to Portohonk Creek. A new church was built for the Baptist congregation. The church acquired the name "Shiloh Baptist Church" in 1812.
Before long, many people moved into the area and the bay fronting Danson Manor developed warehouses for shippers. Windmills were built along the bay. Ultimately, five windmills dotted the bay and the first name given to the area was Milltown.
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Later as land travel became more accessible and people moved inland, the area became known as Shiloh, probably deriving its name from the Baptist Church. Shiloh became the official name for the area when the post office opened in 1827. The Baptist Church now existing in the township of Shiloh was built in 1849.
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