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Atlantic City’s Boardwalk marked its 156th anniversary this summer. The milestone shows that the city’s casino activity and tourism still revolve around the beachfront corridor.
The first section opened on June 26, 1870. This oldest and longest boardwalk in America stretches more than 5 miles. Boardwalk began as a practical solution for hotel owners and has since become the centerpiece for souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
From Sand-Control Fix to Atlantic City Landmark
Hotel owners built the original Boardwalk to keep sand out of railroad cars and hotel lobbies. Heather Perez, an Atlantic County historian, said visitors in long Victorian gowns were tracking sand indoors. That created a persistent cleanup problem.
That first structure was 1 mile long and 8 feet wide. The workers also dismantled it during winter months and stored the pieces until spring.
Over time, the Boardwalk grew beyond its original purpose. It became a defining part of Atlantic City’s identity. Perez summed up,
“Everything that used to be and everything that is, is based around the boardwalk.”
A Tourism Corridor That Later Expanded Into Casino Country
The entertainment attractions helped extend the Boardwalk’s pull. Steel Pier opened in 1898 and became a show venue. The Miss America pageant began in 1921 and helped lengthen the tourism season for decades.
Casinos arrived later. However, they added another major draw for visitors. Today, the Boardwalk remains central to commerce and tourism in Atlantic City. AC Casinos are included in the mix of businesses that line the route.
The Boardwalk is still the connector between many of the city’s core leisure offerings. As Perez said in an interview,
“You cannot have Atlantic City without the boardwalk. It’s tied together.”
Source: As reported by 957benfm.com.
