Throughout the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, gambling was largely prohibited. New Jersey had always been one of the friendlier states regarding gambling, and Atlantic City took that to the next level. And that’s not the only law the city played fast and loose with. The city quickly became known as a hotspot for anyone seeking alcohol. Law officials’ lack of enforcement of the alcohol ban only increased Atlantic City’s popularity. Not wanting to deny tourists anything they could provide, establishments in Atlantic City didn’t always play by the rules. Its popularity with tourists explains much of what happened during the Prohibition era. The city was already a premiere vacation destination by the beginning of Prohibition in 1920. Prohibition and Gambling in Atlantic CityĪnother event that played a massive role in the development of Atlantic City was Prohibition. Many NJ casinos and restaurants are still located in these historical resorts that ultimately put the city on the map. The city continued to grow over the decades, and it wasn’t until the early 1900s that Atlantic City saw its first boom in hotel creation. At the time, the Boardwalk was a seasonal structure that looked very different from what it is today. In the 1870s, the famous Boardwalk was constructed to keep sand away from hotel lobbies.

From there, more hotels were constructed.Īs hotel construction flourished, tourism became the city’s lifeblood and continued to influence its development. Owned by the railroad company, it could hold up to 2,000 guests in its 600 rooms. Though the United States Hotel never actually became a health resort, it was the largest hotel in the country. With this in mind, he convinced investors to build a rail line from Philadelphia all the way to Atlantic City. The railroad was the brainchild of a doctor named Jonathan Pitney who thought Atlantic City would be the perfect location for a health resort. But the most significant event in the city’s development was when the railroad opened in 1854. The History of Atlantic CityĪtlantic City has had a long history as one of America’s favorite resort towns. In this article, we’ll explore the rise of Atlantic City casino resorts. From the city’s Golden Age during the Prohibition era to its modern rebuilding, Atlantic City has had a tumultuous existence. However, the city has a storied past filled with ups and downs. Atlantic City is synonymous with gambling and the fun and excitement of casino resorts.

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