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Atlantic City Founded, Chalkey Leeds elected Mayor
In 1850, Dr. Jonathan Pitney realized the potential for the perfect resort destination and started the process to create this destination. In 1852, they secured a railroad charter and 2 years later, construction of the Camden-Atlantic rail line was completed at a cost of about $1.2 million. In March of 1854, the city was incorporated and 18 voters elected the first mayor, Chalkey S. Leeds. On July 1 1854, the first public train left Camden for Atlantic City, arriving two-and-a-half hours later. -
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African American population increase in Atlantic City
Between these dates, the population of African Americans increased from 15 to 1,220 (15% of the population) due to the environment of being a "resort town". -
Atlantic City Boardwalk was revealed
After seeing the complaints of being "put off" by opening their doors onto the sandy beaches by visitors to the hotel in Atlantic City, the idea was formed to create this boardwalk. When it was first dedicated, businesses we not allowed within 30 feet of it. At the end of each summer season, the boardwalk was taken apart and stored until the following warmer seasons. -
Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway opens
Due to the growing popularity of the city, one railroad line could no longer keep up with demand. Soon, the Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway was constructed to transport tourists to Atlantic City. At this point massive hotels had sprung up all over town and The U.S. Hotel took up a full city block between Atlantic, Pacific, Delaware, and Maryland Ave. These hotels were not only impressive in size, but featured the most updated amenities, and were considered quite luxurious for their time. -
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Enoch L Johnson
Enoch Johnson was a Atlantic City Sheriff, political figure and racketeer. During Prohibition, Johnson's power rose and he became rich from brothels, gambling joints and speakeasies. He was known for his generosity to those in need by the locals. Atlantic City became one of the biggest ports for importing bootleg liquor. -
Atlantic City Pageant/Miss America 1921
The 1921 Atlantic City Pageant (which would later be known as Miss America) was a marketing ploy designed to encourage visitors to stay in the resort past Labor Day, the traditional end of the season. -
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(Minor) Role in WWII
During World War II, the city offered much more than entertainment distractions, as it served as a training site for military recruits and a recovery and rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers. -
The Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944
This unnamed hurricane hit the East Coast in 1944 causing 4 casualties in New Jersey and injuring over 390. The Great Atlantic Hurricane became the name it was referred to by a Miami reported to stress the damage it caused. 68 years later, Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast causing similar damage and destroying the board walk once again. -
First Casino Opens
Resorts Casino Hotel became the first legal casino in the United States, outside of Nevada. It took years of constant down voting and referandums to finally have gambling legalized in Atlantic City.
