Atlantic City History

Long before the clanging of slot machines and squeals of excitement drifted from amusement park rides, the island where Atlantic City is located was the long-time summer home of the Leni-Lenape Indians. These Algonquian-speaking summer residents named the island Absegami, meaning “little water,” because the opposite shore can be seen across the bay.

The land was largely ignored by early colonial settlers in the area, as it could only be reached by boat. It is generally accepted that the first permanent residence built by a colonist was the home of Jeremiah Leeds, constructed in 1783.

Big Fun on Little Water

By 1850, sea air and salt water were recognized as conducive to good health, and New Jersey physician Dr. Jonathan Pitney envisioned a bathing village and health resort on the island, and soon developed a land deal with local businessmen. A railroad charter was secured, and a few years later, the public began flocking to the new travel destination known as Atlantic City.

The small town’s proximity to large cities like New York City and Boston, combined with inexpensive train access, invited thousands of visitors to flee hot urban areas and enjoy summer pleasures in Atlantic City each year. Its popularity grew and investors soon began to build luxury hotels, restaurants, and amusements for the whole family. The world’s first boardwalk was constructed in 1870 as an elevated wooden walkway designed to keep sand out of the hotel lobbies. Candy shops and carnival rides opened along the boardwalk, cementing Atlantic City as a major vacation resort town.

“There’s something that happens to you when you come into Atlantic City. You can smell the marsh, you can smell the salt air. It has healing properties. And when you get here, it just opens your lungs up like you would not believe.” – Ralph E. Hunter

The 1920s were a Golden Age for Atlantic City – theatrical productions and music revues became the tryouts for major Broadway shows, and the city’s nightlife drew in the best and brightest in the world of jazz. A second railway was installed to help funnel the loads of tourists heading to the tiny city, and massive hotels, offering entertainment of all kinds, both legal and illegal, lined the swath of the Jersey shore.

What would happen to “the world’s playground” once the 18^th amendment went into effect? Alcohol, gambling, and other vices went largely unregulated during Prohibition.  

Thanks to the corruption of almost every government and law enforcement official, Atlantic City would thrive during the fourteen-year existence of Prohibition – due in a large part to the organized crime syndicates that rose to power in the mid-20^th century.

The Playground Bully

Atlantic City’s mob kingpin was Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, who profited off the sale of goods he determined most in demand – whiskey, wine, women, song, and slot machines. Between 1926 and 1933, some 40% of illegal alcohol brought into the United States came through Atlantic City. However, the town wouldn’t just thrive off of mob activity in the local arena. In 1929, it played host to the most significant mob leaders of the 20^th century as they convened to align the numerous and disparate gangs in the northeast.

The end of Prohibition and the beginning of World War II began a decline in the city’s prosperity. The decline of train travel and the advent of the automobile meant tourists were free to explore other parts of the country, and Atlantic City soon lost its unique appeal. By 1970, Atlantic City was in disrepair until it found a new way to distinguish itself – as a hub for gambling.

Legal casino gambling in New Jersey was limited to Atlantic City in 1976 and at its peak, there were 15 major casinos built within the city limits, some of which are still open today. As the only other location for legal gambling besides Nevada, Atlantic City saw a revitalization in tourism, especially after New Jersey became one of the first states to legalize sports gambling. The city has been making strides ever since to reclaim the shine of the glittering jewel of a playground it was.