Atlantic City: A Brief History

Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island in Atlantic County. It is approximately 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 100 miles south, southwest of New York (North Latitude: 39 21'32", West Longitude: 74 25'53).

Atlantic City's original summer visitors were the Absegami Indians of the Lenni Lenape tribe. They enjoyed the island's natural assets and the outdoor activities. Early South Jersey settlers largely ignored the island and it had very few permanent residents. Access was only by boat across the six miles of bay and salt marsh from the mainland. Large dunes protected the beaches and the island was heavily wooded.

Area physician, Dr. Jonathan Pitney, envisioned a "bathing village and health resort" on Absecon Island. He joined with a group of businessmen anxious to develop South Jersey and in 1852, received a railroad charter from Camden to Atlantic City. Engineer Richard Osborne designed and named Atlantic City.

In March, 1854, the city was incorporated and eighteen voters elected the first mayor. On July 1, 1854, the first public train left from Camden, arriving two and one half hours later at Atlantic City. Total railroad cost was $1,274,030 and the city's colorful and interesting history began.

Atlantic City's proximity to population centers and convenient, inexpensive train access allowed thousand to flee the hot cities and enjoy summer pleasures at the cool seashore. The city grew rapidly and provided lodgings, eating places, amusements, entertainment and activities for all ages, tastes and incomes. Over the years, many famous figures visited and entertained here. A number of attractions, like the Boardwalk, amusement piers and beauty pageants were developed.

From the 1880's to 1940's, Atlantic City was a major vacation resort. In the 1920's, it was a pre-Broadway show tryout town. Population peaked at 66,000 in the 1930's, and despite hard times, people came to forget their troubles. In the 1940's, the U. S. Army used the city for training purposes, occupying several of the major hotels on the Boardwalk.

As air travel to vacation places in Florida and the Caribbean became more widely available in the 1950's, the period of decline in popularity for Atlantic City began. The city was beset with economic and social problems common to most eastern cities. Since its seasonal winter economy had always been depressed, the city was unable to improve its situation. A steady decrease in resident population began and still continues.

In 1976, gambling was legalized in Atlantic City. It was seen as a "unique tool of urban development." Voters hoped it would provide the resources to rebuild the city and attract new visitors. Casino gambling is heavily regulated by the state. Its tax revenues are dedicated to programs for the elderly and handicapped. The first casino (Resorts International) opened May 26, 1978.

No one could really predict the tremendous impact such concentrated development would have on a fairly small area in a short time. By 1988, a dozen casinos were operating. Visitors in 1990 exceeded 30 million, and city tax ratables had increased astronomically. In 1976, when the casino referendum was approved by the New Jersey voters, the city's real estate was valued at just a little over $316 million. By 1988, its value had risen to more than $6 billion.

Substantial progress is evident now in the construction of housing and government buildings in the city. A viable casino revenue reinvestment program is now in place, as is an Amtrak rail link between Atlantic City and Philadelphia. Some casinos have announced plans for general family entertainment and Ocean One Shopping Mall has been successfully operating on the site of the former Million Dollar Pier. The world famous Boardwalk remains a major attraction, offering shopping and amusements of all types. Construction has been completed on the new Atlantic City Convention Center and the new Atlantic City High School opened its doors in the Fall of 1994. It would seem another chapter in Atlantic City's colorful history has begun, and the city may once again proudly wear its title of "Queen of the Coast."