About The Oldest Roadside Attraction In America
It is also the oldest surviving example of “zoomorphic” architecture
Lucy the Elephant is a six-story elephant-shaped example of novelty architecture. She is constructed of wood and tin sheeting. Built in 1881 by real estate developer, James Lafferty, Lucy is the undisputed oldest roadside attraction in America.
Smithsonian describes Lucy The Elephant as the oldest roadside attraction. The Save Lucy Committee, Inc. defines her as the oldest roadside attraction in America. World Record Academy recognizes her as the oldest surviving roadside tourist attraction in America.
Lucy was initially built as a gimmick to attract potential buyers to James Lafferty's land holdings along the coast of South Atlantic City (now Margate). Eventually a popular hotel business was built around her. During her history, Lucy has survived hurricanes, ocean floods, and even a fire that accidentally started by some inebriated party-goers when she served as a tavern.
Lucy The Elephant is not only the oldest roadside attraction in the country, but also the oldest surviving example of “zoomorphic” architecture (something that looks like animal). Over the years she has served as a summer home, tavern and tourist attraction.
By the 1960's it became apparent there was one disaster Lucy could not overcome - neglect. By that time, the once proud jewel of the South Jersey coast had become an almost hopeless, wretched wreck.
Then in 1970, a developer purchased Lucy's land and intended to build a condominium building on the site. The beach and the ocean could stay - but the elephant had to go! To the rescue came the Save Lucy Committee. Within weeks, this small concerned group of ordinary citizens had raised enough money to move the entire decaying structure two blocks away to a new site owned by the city.
Thirty years and over $1.5 million dollars later, Lucy was completely restored to her original splendor, inside and out. In 1976. Lucy was designated a National Historic Landmark and now currently operates as a museum. Visitors can tour the interior of the elephant, learn about her history, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding howdah (the platform on her back).
Lucy is more than just a tourist attraction; she holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. She serves as a symbol of resilience and community pride for the people of Margate City and the surrounding area.
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Lucy the Elephant is a quirky and charming roadside attraction that delights visitors of all ages, offering a glimpse into the whimsical architecture and seaside culture of the late 19th century. She has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including movies, television shows, and literature.
She is often depicted as a charming character, adding to her appeal as a cultural icon. Throughout the year, Lucy hosts a variety of events and activities for visitors, including guided tours, educational programs, and special events like birthday celebrations and holiday festivities.
Lucy’s sheer scale commands attention. Weighing 90 tons, she is constructed from nearly one million pieces of wood, 200 kegs of nails, 4 tons of bolts and iron bars, and clad in 12,000 square feet of tin. Her imposing form rises above the surrounding upscale residential neighborhood, a whimsical giant gazing toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Lucy is not only notable for her elephant shape but also for her intricate architecture. She has a framework of wood and steel, covered with painted tin to resemble the texture of an elephant's skin. However, she is made primarily of wood. She has been restored and renovated several times to ensure her preservation.
In 2022 Lucy, everyone's favorite oldest roadside attraction in the US, went under another major restoration. This time to replace her skin. It was a $1.4 million restoration project, the largest restoration project since Lucy was originally built back in 1881. She happily welcomes visitors from all walks of life.
Lucy’s bold, imaginative presence transcends her origins as a real estate stunt. She stands as a testament to human creativity, community resilience, and the enduring allure of roadside Americana,
