He started purchasing land in southern New Jersey in the 1870s , eventually acquiring 150 square miles ( 390 km ) in the Pinelands , which contained an aquifer replenished by several rivers and lakes .
Joseph Wharton saw a potential solution to the water problems .
Joseph Wharton started purchasing land in southern New Jersey in the 1870s , eventually acquiring 150 square miles ( 390 km ) in the Pinelands , which contained an aquifer replenished by several rivers and lakes .
Joseph Wharton saw a potential solution to the water problems .