Atlantic City History

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Atlantic City is a resort city in New Jersey. Located within Atlantic County, Atlantic City is known for its casinos, boardwalk, and beach. Recorded during a census in 2010, the population of Atlantic City was 39,558 people. Incorporated on May 1, 1854, Atlantic City was formed from portions of Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township – situating the city between the Atlantic Ocean and the marshlands. This has made Atlantic City prime real estate in the eyes of developers. In 1853, the first commercial hotel was built, The Belloe House. The first boardwalk in Atlantic City was built in 1870 and opened June 16 of the same year. The Atlantic City Boardwalk became the first boardwalk in the United States. It was erected to help hotel owners…show more content…
At this point, there was a railroad that linked the city with Philadelphia. With so many people moving to the area, the one railroad could no longer support the demand. Another railroad was put into place to transport tourists to Atlantic City. Different size rooms and hotels sprung up all over town. The United States Hotel took up a full city block and was of the many hotels that featured updated amenities that seemed quite luxurious at the time. During the early part of the 20th century, the city went through a major boom in the building department. Most of the boarding houses that lined the boardwalk were replaced. These modest homes were torn down for large hotels. The two most famous and distinctive hotels that were raised included Marlborough-Bieheim Hotel and the Traymore Hotel. A referendum was passed by New Jersey voters in 1976. It was done so in hopes of rejuvenating the city. Two years earlier, a similar referendum failed to pass thus bringing forth a newer one in 1976. As soon as it was announced that the referendum passed in legislation, changes started happening throughout Atlantic City. The Chalfote-Haddon Hall Hotel started to change and was converted by the owners into the Resorts International. Opening on May 26, 1978, Resorts International became the first legal casino on the east coast. Other casinos soon popped up along the…show more content…
Several major casinos line the Boardwalk and draw tourists each year. In 2011, it was estimated that 28.5 million people visited Atlantic City and spent $3.3 billion dollars in gaming. The boost in revenue helps the state as does the 33,000 jobs that keep residents employed. The economic turn in the United States has hit every corner throughout the country and Atlantic City is no different. Large casinos are changing names, being sold, and forcing owners to decide what the next step is best for the company. Not even the oldest casinos are spared from the economic downturn as many have had to close their doors. On the other side, several planned projects for new casinos were never completed and many never got out of the planning

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