Boardwalk of Dreams: Atlantic City

Boardwalk of Dreams: Atlantic City

Bobby Ricciardi

December 9, 2013

        In Bryant Simon’s Boardwalk of Dreams, Simon takes us on a journey through the unique and tumultuous history of Atlantic City.  Atlantic City today is known for many things, most notably being the largest gambling town in the Eastern part of the United States.  However, Atlantic City’s history stretches back to long before gambling was legalized.  The city has been through ups and downs, but through it all it has remained an icon of the famous Jersey Shore.  Despite all of its hardships, it has still been seen as a place for people to get away from their lives and let loose.  

        Realtors viewed Atlantic City as a prime location for a resort town.  Its location between the marshlands of Atlantic City and the Atlantic Ocean led the barrier island town to turn into a beach town.  The first hotel that was built in Atlantic City was The Belloe House.  It was built in 1853 on the corner of Massachusetts and Atlantic Avenues.  In 1854, the city was incorporated.  During this same year, the Camden and Atlantic Railroad train service began.  This railroad linked the city with Philadelphia and it became one of the premier getaway spots for Philadelphians.  The railway helped usher in a period of tremendous growth for Atlantic City.  By the 1870s, almost half a million visitors came to Atlantic City every year by rail.  

        One of the most famous aspects of Atlantic City was the boardwalk.  The first boardwalk built in Atlantic City was built in 1870.  Initially it was only built to last the summer, and a new boardwalk was installed the following year.  This continued for several years.  Finally in 1901, a permanent boardwalk was built.  This permanent boardwalk lasted until 1944 when it was destroyed by the Great Atlantic hurricane.  It was 7 miles long.  

        Another mode of transportation made its way into Atlantic City in 1870.  A toll road (30 cents) connected the city back to mainland New Jersey in Pleasantville.  Transportation continued its expansion when the Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railroad was built which allowed more passengers to travel back and forth between the two cities.  By this time, luxury hotels (for the time) had began to spring up all around the city.  These hotels had modern amenities that were not available to households during this time period.