About The Oldest Boardwalk In America
The boardwalk is also the longest in the world spanning 5.5 miles
A boardwalk is a raised pedestrian walkway typically made of wooden planks or other durable materials. It is commonly found along waterfronts, beaches, or other scenic areas where there is a need for stable and accessible pathway over sand, marches, or other natural terrain.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk in south New Jersey is the oldest boardwalk in America. It is also the longest boardwalk in the world spanning 5.5 miles. At the widest point, it is 60 feet wide, and stands 12 feet above sea level.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is described as the world's first and longest boardwalk by the New Jersey State Division of Travel and Tourism Department. It is defined as the first boardwalk built in the United States by Atlantic City Free Public Library.
Atlantic City started gaining popularity as a resort destination in the late 1800s due to its proximity to major East Coast cities and its beautiful beachfront. However, the sandy conditions made it difficult for visitors to comfortably stroll along the shore.
In an effort to remedy this issue, Alexander Boardman, an Atlantic City hotel owner, proposed the construction of a wooden walkway along the beach. The idea gained traction, and the first section of the Atlantic City Boardwalk was constructed in 1870. Initially, it was a temporary structure built for the convenience of visitors.
On June 26, 1870, the first section of the Atlantic City Boardwalk opened along the New Jersey beach. Dr. Jonathan Pitney and civil engineer Richard Osborne began developing the area on Absecon Island in 1850. Long before this time though, the Lenni-Lenape tribe were the first seasonal visitors to enjoy the summer splendor of the island.
As Atlantic City's popularity continued to rise, so did the demand for a more substantial and permanent boardwalk. The boardwalk's construction extended over the years, reaching a length of several miles. The concept of a "boardwalk" as a promenade along the beachfront was still relatively novel, and Atlantic City's version became a prototype for similar developments in other seaside locations.
This most famous walkway on the East Coast (and first boardwalk in America) was not built to be anything more than a solution to keeping the sand out of the ritzy hotels and the Camden and Atlantic’s railroad passenger cars.
A fed-up railroad conductor, Alexander Boardman, and hotel owner first petitioned to the city council in 1870, asking that a mile-long foot walk be established. Garnering plenty of attention from East Coast visitors, the boardwalk's wooden planks are laid in a herringbone pattern.
The boardwalk is within short walking distance of shops to five-star restaurants casinos, attractions and great shows. It hosts over 27 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. After a decline in the 1960s, the introduction of gambling in 1978 allowed Atlantic City to reinvent itself and the Boardwalk to regain some of its former prominence.
In addition to the various entertainment options, the boardwalk offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular spot for jogging, biking, and people-watching. It is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Steel Pier amusement park, the Boardwalk Hall concert venue, and the Absecon Lighthouse.
Throughout the year, the Atlantic City Boardwalk hosts a variety of events and festivals, including the annual Atlantic City Airshow, the Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival, and the Miss America pageant.