Atlantic City

The Atlantic City Boardwalk, the first boardwalk in the United States and one of the longest in the world, officially opened on June 26, 1870. It was designed to help hotel owners keep sand out of their lobbies and has since become an iconic symbol of the city, featuring numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The boardwalk has been rebuilt and extended several times, contributing significantly to the tourism economy of Atlantic City.

Atlantic City was officially incorporated on May 1, 1880. The city, located on Absecon Island, quickly developed into a thriving seaside resort town known for its beaches, boardwalk, and entertainment venues. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Atlantic City became famous for its luxury hotels, amusement piers, and as a destination for vacationers seeking leisure and recreation on the Jersey Shore.

The first Miss America Pageant was held in Atlantic City on September 7, 1921. Originally conceived as a 'bathing beauty revue,' the event was intended to extend the summer tourist season beyond Labor Day. Over the decades, the Miss America Pageant grew into a nationally recognized event, promoting the ideals of personal achievement and public service among young women. Atlantic City remained the primary location for the pageant for many years.

The Atlantic City Convention Center, known then as the Atlantic City Auditorium, opened its doors on May 29, 1930. It was considered a marvel of modern architecture and one of the largest clear-span structures in the world, hosting conventions, concerts, and other significant events. The center played a vital role in reinforcing Atlantic City's reputation as a major convention and tourism destination, drawing countless visitors to the city.

On September 14, 1944, the Great Atlantic Hurricane struck the northeastern United States, causing widespread damage, especially in Atlantic City. The hurricane produced high winds and a significant storm surge that damaged resorts, homes, and the famous boardwalk. The event highlighted the vulnerability of coastal cities to extreme weather and led to improvements in preparedness and infrastructure to withstand future storms. Despite the destruction, Atlantic City rebuilt and continued to attract tourists.

On June 2, 1978, Resorts International became the first legal casino outside Nevada to open in the United States, marking the start of casino gambling in Atlantic City. The legalization aimed to revitalize the city’s economy by attracting tourists back to the once-thriving resort town, and it helped transform Atlantic City into a major gambling destination. This strategic move significantly boosted the local economy and tourism industry.

Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, one of Donald Trump's early ventures into the casino industry, opened on July 25, 1980. It became a prominent fixture in Atlantic City’s casino landscape, attracting high-profile events, celebrities, and guests. The casino's opening underscored the city’s ongoing transformation powered by legalized gambling, although its closure in 2014 highlighted the volatility and challenges of the casino industry in Atlantic City.

The Atlantic City Expressway, providing a direct route from the Philadelphia metropolitan area to Atlantic City, officially opened on October 29, 1984. This highway improved access to Atlantic City, further boosting tourism by making the city more accessible to visitors from nearby regions. The expressway's opening facilitated the flow of tourists to the resorts, casinos, and beaches of Atlantic City, playing a key role in tourism and economic development.

The infamous Show Us Your Shoes parade, part of the Miss America Pageant festivities, made its debut on December 7, 1993. This parade became an integral facet of the pageant, showcasing competitors in creatively embellished footwear. The parade nourished Atlantic City's cultural and tourism economy, enhancing the pageant's unique identity by including regional paraphernalia, all to the fanfare of a vibrant, aware audience.

Hurricane Sandy, sometimes referred to as Superstorm Sandy, impacted Atlantic City on October 29, 2012. The storm caused significant coastal flooding, damage to the boardwalk, casinos, and infrastructure, and interrupted life in the city. Atlantic City's recovery from the hurricane involved extensive rebuilding efforts and brought attention to climate change impacts on coastal communities. The event emphasized the need for enhanced resilience and preparedness for future severe weather events.