In 1851, Richard F. Wilmerton's Delaranco development was recognized as a town. The town was a continuation of Delaranco Township, extending north from Rancocas Creek. The Delanco Land Company tried to extend south from the Delaware River, but did not gain much ground before 1852. In 1852, the two towns merged under the name of Delanco, and Beverly Borough was formed within Willingboro Township.
The Township of Delanco maintains a board for the Environment, which advises the Township Committee and Mayor. Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month. The Township has a planning board, a recreation commission, and an economic advisory council. It also maintains mutual aid agreements with local government agencies to coordinate efforts to reduce risks and mitigate damages. The board's members also meet once a month and may appear before the Township Committee.
The New Jersey State Legislature created a road district for Delanco and designated three commissioners. They were elected to allocate funds for street improvements and road maintenance. In 1865, the village's name was changed to Riverside. In 1867, the United New Jersey Railroad & Canal Company was established. Delanco also became a railroad hub. The town is now home to over twenty railroad stations.
The village's first post office opened in October 1957, and the community received its first postmaster in the Colonial Building at Holly Street. It was operated by Harry J. Dennis, who was a real estate agent. Philip Roy Dennis bought his first lot at Hazel and Third. In the same year, he founded the Rancocas Construction Company with three other partners. In 1915, Delanco had a population of approximately 1,200. In 1916, the Delanco Fire Company purchased the city's first motorized fire truck.