Atlantic County, New Jersey is located on the Atlantic coast of the United States, just south of Philadelphia and north of Atlantic City. The county is home to nearly 275,000 people and is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, and exciting nightlife.
The shoreline of Atlantic County is dotted with over 30 miles of sandy beaches that attract millions of visitors each year. Most visitors come to relax in the sun and enjoy swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, or simply taking a stroll along the beach. Several beach towns are located within the county including Ventnor City, Margate City and Longport Borough. These towns feature a variety of restaurants and shops as well as boardwalks with amusement parks.
In addition to its beaches, Atlantic County also offers some of the best golf courses in New Jersey. There are eight public courses located throughout the county including Atlantic City Country Club which was designed by Donald Ross in 1921. Other courses include Blue Heron Pines Golf Club which has been ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest Magazine.
When night falls in Atlantic County there’s no shortage of entertainment options. Visitors can explore Atlantic City’s world-famous casinos or visit one of many bars or clubs located throughout the county such as The Pool at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City or Boogie Nights at Tropicana Casino & Resort. For those looking for something more relaxed there are plenty of restaurants serving up delicious seafood dishes such as local favorites like clams casino or baked scrod.
For outdoor enthusiasts there are numerous parks and nature preserves located throughout Atlantic County offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching and much more! Estell Manor Park covers nearly 1000 acres with miles of trails for hiking while Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge provides 8500 acres for bird watching and other wildlife viewing activities.
The culture in Atlantic County is diverse with an array of museums including Noyes Arts Garage which features rotating exhibits from local artists as well as performances from nationally recognized musicians; Absecon Lighthouse which has been open since 1857; Stockton University Art Gallery showcasing contemporary art from around the world; and Ventnor Historical Museum & Library preserving artifacts from early settlers who settled on Absecon Island where Ventnor City now stands today.
Atlantic County is a great place to live due to its close proximity to major cities like Philadelphia while also offering beautiful beaches and an exciting nightlife scene all in one location! With its diverse culture, excellent golf courses and outdoor recreational activities it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this area home.
History of Atlantic County, New Jersey
Atlantic County, New Jersey is located in the southeast corner of the state and is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The county was established on February 7th, 1837 from portions of Gloucester County, and was named for the Atlantic Ocean that borders it to the east. The county is home to 557,000 people and its county seat is Mays Landing.
Prior to European settlement, the area now known as Atlantic County was inhabited by Native American tribes such as Lenni Lenape, Nanticoke and Assunpink. The first Europeans to explore this area were Dutch explorers in 1614 who named it “Whale’s Bay.” In 1664, England took control of the region and granted land to colonial settlers. By 1702 there were several small settlements along Egg Harbor Bay and Great Egg Harbor River including what would become Mays Landing.
In 1721, a ferry service was established between Mays Landing and Philadelphia which helped spur development in the area. During this time period Atlantic County began to develop an agricultural economy based on growing wheat, corn, rye and other crops as well as raising livestock such as cows and pigs. By 1798 Atlantic City was founded and by 1854 it had become a popular vacation destination for people from across the country.
During the Civil War (1861-1865) many men from Atlantic County served in both Union and Confederate forces with some becoming notable figures such as William Haines Lytle who was killed at Chickamauga during Confederate General Braxton Bragg’s campaign into Tennessee.
The 20th century saw rapid growth in population due largely to tourism with visitors coming from near and far to visit Boardwalk Hall (1923), Steel Pier (1926), Absecon Light House (1933), Lucy The Elephant (1881), Garden Pier (1909), etc., all of which are still popular attractions today.
The 1950s saw a boom in manufacturing with companies like General Electric establishing plants in Pleasantville while other businesses moved into areas like Somers Point or Margate City which helped further stimulate economic growth throughout Atlantic County. This trend continued into the 1960s when Harrah’s casino opened up in 1979 creating thousands of new jobs for residents throughout South Jersey. In addition to tourism related jobs there are also many healthcare providers located throughout Atlantic County making it one of New Jersey’s leading employers.
Today, Atlantic County is home to several major cities including Absecon Island which includes Atlantic City, Ventnor City, Margate City, Longport Borough, Brigantine City, Somers Point Borough, Linwood Borough, Northfield Borough plus several smaller townships located outside these cities. It has also become a popular destination for retirees seeking year round sunshine thanks to its temperate climate. With its rich history spanning centuries there is no doubt that Atlantic County will continue providing visitors with plenty of enjoyment for years to come.