History of Jersey Shore in Timeline

The Jersey Shore is the coastal region of New Jersey, spanning approximately 141 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. It stretches from Perth Amboy in the north to Cape May Point in the south, encompassing Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. Positioned within the Northeast Megalopolis, the northern part falls within the New York metro area, while the southern part is in the Philadelphia metro area. Notably, the Jersey Shore boasts the highest concentration of oceanside boardwalks in the United States.

1900: Fires Destroy Many Hotels in Spring Lake

In 1900, many of the largest hotels in Spring Lake were destroyed by fire, paving the way for wealthy families to construct houses for year-round living.

1929: Boardwalk Hall Opens

In 1929, Boardwalk Hall, an arena and convention center, opened in Atlantic City.

1938: Construction of Harbor Begins

Construction of the harbor began in 1938. The harbor would later become the largest on the East Coast and was completed in 1940.

1944: Hurricane destroys Long Beach Island Boardwalk

In 1944, a hurricane destroyed the boardwalk on Long Beach Island, and it has not been rebuilt since.

1946: Monmouth Park Reopens

In 1946, the current Monmouth Park opened after the New Jersey Legislature passed a bill providing for state regulation of horse racing.

1956: Jersey Mike's Founded in Point Pleasant Beach

In 1956, the first Jersey Mike's sub shop was founded in Point Pleasant Beach.

1960: Hurricane Donna devastates Keansburg waterfront

In 1960, Hurricane Donna significantly damaged the waterfront area of Keansburg, impacting the town's attractions.

1969: Corson's Inlet State Park Established

In 1969, Corson's Inlet State Park was established by the New Jersey Legislature. The park was created to protect and preserve one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along the state's oceanfront.

July 4, 1970: Race Riots in Asbury Park

On July 4, 1970, race riots in Asbury Park led to the destruction of various buildings across the city.

1976: Casino Gambling Approved for Atlantic City

In 1976, New Jersey voters passed a referendum approving casino gambling for Atlantic City to revitalize the city.

1980: Atlantic City Film Released

In 1980, the film "Atlantic City" was released, featuring Atlantic City.

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1986: SeaStreak Ferry Service Introduced in Atlantic Highlands

In 1986, the high-speed SeaStreak ferry service was introduced in Atlantic Highlands, providing commuter service to New York City and seasonal sightseeing excursions.

June 8, 1987: Fire Destroys Long Branch Pier and Amusement Park

On June 8, 1987, a significant fire destroyed the pier and adjoining amusement park in Long Branch, marking the end of an era for the resort town.

1989: State resident ownership decreased by 30%

Since 1989, state resident ownership has dropped by 30% along the Jersey Shore. Approximately 37% of properties in shore towns are owned by people from out of state.

May 1994: Manasquan Theatre Converted to Professional Theatre

In May 1994, the historic 540-seat movie house in Manasquan was converted into a professional theatre.

1995: Keansburg Amusement Park Begins Expansion

In 1995, Keansburg Amusement Park started a large expansion project, including upgrades to the park and the construction of Runaway Rapids, an adjacent water park.

2002: Completion of New Boardwalk at Old Bridge Waterfront Park

In 2002, the new boardwalk at Old Bridge Waterfront Park was completed, following the destruction of the old boardwalk in the 1940s-1950s. The beachfront was renovated through a joint effort by Old Bridge Township and the Middlesex County Parks Department.

2005: Pier Village Opens in Long Branch

In 2005, Pier Village, a Victorian-inspired mixed-use community featuring rental residences above retail spaces, opened in Long Branch. Festival Plaza hosts regular events like concerts and fairs.

June 18, 2010: Allenhurst Residential Historic District Added to National Register

On June 18, 2010, the Allenhurst Residential Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its historical architectural significance, including 412 contributing buildings.

2011: Boardwalk Empire HBO series released

In 2011, the HBO series "Boardwalk Empire", set in Atlantic City, was released.

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October 2012: Hurricane Sandy Damages Jersey Shore

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy significantly damaged the entire Jersey Shore region. The storm's surge caused substantial property damage, especially to properties near the beach, and impacted places like the Belmar boardwalk, Casino Pier, and Funtown Pier. The hurricane reached up to 74 mph, with storm surges reaching 14 ft above average low tide.

October 29, 2012: Hurricane Sandy Damages Point Pleasant Beach

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to Point Pleasant Beach, including portions of the boardwalk and Casino Pier and Funtown Pier. The Star Jet ride became a symbol of the storm's destruction.

2012: Hurricane Sandy Devastates Jersey Shore

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused widespread destruction along the northern Jersey Shore, leading to the demolition and reconstruction of entire neighborhoods. This led to gentrification, escalating property values, and transforming communities into second homes for the New York financial community.

2014: Ocean Grove Named Top Beach by Fodor's

In 2014, Ocean Grove was recognized as one of the top 15 best beaches by Fodor's.

2020: Population 2020

In 2020, information regarding the population was recorded.

October 30, 2023: NY Waterway Launches Ferry Service in South Amboy

On October 30, 2023, NY Waterway initiated a new ferry service in South Amboy providing connections to Lower and Midtown Manhattan. This enhanced transportation option benefits both South Amboy and Perth Amboy, as they are both served by the North Jersey Coast Line.