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 Atlantic City, New Jersey
(History Part I)
Atlantic City Casinos
Where can you find casinos, the ocean, the boardwalk, great places to shop and many other great forms of entertainment? All this and more can be found in Atlantic City, New Jersey. There is always something to do when you make a trip to Atlantic City. Whether you are headed there for vacation or just for a long weekend, you will find excitement and fun awaiting you.
Atlantic City is much more than just casinos and an attraction for tourists. In fact, Atlantic City has a long and rich history. It is found on Absecon Island, which was once home to Lenni-Lenape Indians. Atlantic City was not officially opened until June 16, 1880. However, the seeds for Atlantic City where planted long before then. The first known owner of the Island was Thomas Budd. He had come to Atlantic County in the late 1670?s. At that time the land was worth about $0.40 an acre for mainland and only $0.04 for beach land. Beach property is now worth millions.
The first official residents of Atlantic City where Jeremiah Leeds and his family. Sometime after Jeremiah?s death, his second wife opened a tavern, which would become the first official business in Atlantic City. There were seven homesteads that were found on Absecon Island by 1850. Only one of these was owned by anyone other than Leeds. Dr. Jonathan Pitney was the other. This great physician would soon become a savvy businessman. He saw great potential for the island. Along with a Civil Engineer, Richard Osborne, they came up with a plan to bring the railroad to the island. Osborne and Pitney could be seen as the minds behind the start of tourism to the area. They began laying the foundation for what would become Atlantic City.
Construction on the Camden-Atlantic City Railroad began in 1852. The first train arrived on July 5th 1854, marking the beginning of tourism for the area. Osborne named the city and Pitney named and planned out the city streets as they are today. Tourists were quickly arriving by train and by sea. Hotels and rooming houses were quickly springing up throughout the city. The first commercial hotel was built in 1853. Because of the growth of the city and the number of tourists arriving a second railroad line in to Atlantic City was needed by 1878.
By 1870, Atlantic City had already become a booming place to visit. The city had already given rise to large hotels with amenities ahead of their time, and excellent restaurants. There was, however, one problem. The sand from the beach was being tracked everywhere. It was in the hotels and restaurants and all over the city. An eight food wide wooden walk was built in 1870. Thus, the Atlantic City?s first boardwalk was born. The walk extended from the beach into Atlantic City. Today?s boardwalk has grown quite a bit. It is 60 feet wide and six miles long.
Tourism continued to grow in Atlantic City. Those who lived in the city loved to visit for a break from the hustle and bustle, crowds and heat of the city. The rich began to pass through Atlantic City en route to Broadway and other destinations. A need for even more entertainment in Atlantic City was addressed. The boardwalk soon sported amusement parks and night activities such as clubs.
As tourism began to grow, so did the city itself. There were increasingly more residents of Atlantic City. The first school was open in 1883. Cottages began to spring up everywhere. For a time, cottages comprised of about 2/3 of the houses found in Atlantic City. Atlantic City was in its prime in the 1930?s. There were now 66,000 residents. The nightclubs featured many famous individuals of the time.
The success of Atlantic City did begin to see a decline, however after WWII. . Many tourists were able to travel by jet to their favourite locations. Atlantic City saw a dip in their economy and a rise in unemployment and associated problems. There was no more crime and hardship in Atlantic City. Tourists began vacationing in other areas and Atlantic City seemed to lose much of its shine.
The problems for Atlantic City, which had been built upon tourism, continued well into the 1970?s. At this time, the idea to open gambling casinos as a new attraction was put into action. People were drawn to the casinos where they could gamble over a game of poker or blackjack. Tourists came to try their luck at the slots and the other games and machines in the casinos. Atlantic City became more of a bustling city once again.
Atlantic City has contributed more to the world than just being a great vacation or getaway spot. They introduced the world to many firsts. Boardwalks can now be found at beaches far and wide. However, the very first boardwalk was built in Atlantic City. Salt Water Taffy originated in New York City. There are a few other firsts to be added to Atlantic City?s list of accomplishments.
Looking back over the centuries, Atlantic City has changed a great deal. It has grown and expanded over time. Innovative people have continued to create ways to adapt Atlantic City to the changing world. There have been hardships as people?s idea of fun and entertainment often shifts over time. Atlantic City still works hard to be dynamic and not to stay exactly the same. As new interests are born, these interests are often incorporated into the entertainment at Atlantic City.
There is something for everyone at Atlantic City. Once can come to Atlantic City for casino gaming. They can enjoy a weekend or vacation of relaxing and trying their hand at a few hands of poker, some slot machines or other games in the casinos. Everyone can find fine dining and eloquent places to stay in Atlantic City. Families can enjoy the beach and the amusement parks. This city can be seen as another one that never sleeps and always offers entertainment whether it is morning, afternoon or late in the night.
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