The Rise and Fall of Atlantic City (A Tale of Urban Decay) - IT'S HISTORY

Throughout its life, Atlantic City has seen multiple rises and falls— though there is no denying the influence it holds as one of America’s former premier destinations for luxury and beachfront attractions. But what caused its final fall, and what was it like in its glory days? This is the story of the rise and fall of Atlantic City.

Chapters:
00:00 - The History of Atlantic City
00:44 - A word from Raid Shadow Legends
1:58 - Who were Absecon Island’s original inhabitants?
4:05 - Who were Absecon Island’s first settlers?
5:29 - How did the Leeds family impact Atlantic City?
6:31 - Atlantic City’s first businesses
7:50 - Atlantic City’s tragic shipwrecks
8:44 - The story of the Blue Comet
9:41 - Building Atlantic City’s boardwalk
10:30 - Atlantic City’s incredible growth
11:07 - What were the main modes of transportation in Atlantic City?
12:30 - How did trolley service develop in Atlantic City?
13:12 - Atlantic City’s Steel Pier
14:09 - Atlantic City’s most bizarre attractions
14:46 - Wrestling in Atlantic City
16:08 - Atlantic City during the Prohibition
18:30 - Atlantic City’s first decline
19:08 - The rise of Atlantic City’s casinos
19:54 - The Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel
20:32 - The Brighton Hotel
21:12 - The Chelsea Hotel
21:32 - What happened to the Steel Pier?
21:51 - Trump’s Atlantic City
24:25 - The demolition of the Trump Plaza
25:07 - Monopoly in Atlantic City
25:30 - The lost nuclear bomb of Atlantic City
26:20 - Miss America in Atlantic City

IT’S HISTORY - Weekly tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

» CONTACT

» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Imana Schoch
Editor - Juan Manuel García Vildoza
Host - Ryan Socash

» SOURCES

» NOTICE
Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.

[MrButch-lsvl]

A tiny bit of Atlantic City history resides in my Philadelphia home. You see when the Sands Casino Hotel was going to be demolished (2007) they held a big sale of all the hotel's furnishings, equipment, etc. I went to that sale. While most people were rummaging through the dated and worn hotel furniture a security guard tipped me off there were items for sale on the top floor penthouses: the Frank Sinatra Suite and the Dean Martin Suite. I didn't care for the Sinatra furniture because it was all gold trimmed French Provincial but the Martin Suite was much more to my taste: it was silver trimmed Art Deco/Art Moderne stuff (much more understated ... more akin to the look of Miami Beach of the 60s and 70s - you know, the Morris Lapidus aesthetic ) and I picked up two gorgeous upholstered arm chairs for a song. People still admire my two matching armchairs and there is a story that goes with it!!!

[joannerush]

I worked at Resorts in the early 1980's at the front desk and met many, many celebrities that walked up to the desk to register for their rooms. It was so fun to see the players of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies along with politicians and actors. I remember watching Miss New York check in with one of the agents, you know her better as Vanessa Williams. Great memories!

[Billy-lrmx]

It's called a jitney! A jitney was a nickel! I lived between Tropicana and boardwalk hall for a few years. Definitely a sketchy town, but a lot of cool stuff rolled through. If you are ever in the area, it's worth a visit!

[zach]

As a resident of NJ, Atlantic City has mixed feelings. You covered it quite well. I hope that I will see the day when the city itself, and not just the casinos are brought out of the dump they are in today.

[TracySmith-xytq]

Jitney, not jitty.

I lived in NJ in the 60s and 70s. Most NJ residents did not swim there, as it was considered a tourist trap. NJ residents preferred other towns, such as Wildwood and Ocean City.

[jantschierschky]

Been to Atlantic City twice, in 2000 and 2015, a big difference in that time. 2000 place felt optimistic and had a flair. 2015 seeing the decay, abandoned buildings. The flair and optimism was gone, however still had a great time walking on the board walk.

[hungrysoles]

My grandmother remembered visiting Atlantic City as a child in the 1910s.Women wore the bathing suits with stockings. She rolled hers down on a hot day and a policeman told her to roll it back up. There is an old seafood restaurant in Pittsburgh called The Old Oyster House. The original owner used to visit Atlantic City for the Miss America contests. On the walls of the place are large photos of past winners and their courts over the years besides famous celebrities who enjoyed their fish sandwiches.

[devinmarbury]

Went to Atlantic City this past April and absolutely LOVED it

[Phightins]

Atlantic City is honestly what you make of it! My girlfriend and I have made that our getaway spot for over a year now and it’s so nice to experience a really nice hotel/casino experience with the lush ocean view. We’re from Philly so it’s not far for us.

[Dalt]

It’s easy to say Atlantic City has fallen. However it seems to have improved in the last few years. Stockton University has added an AC campus which has added a younger vibrancy to the city. The Borgata is one of the best casinos in the USA. New projects have been developing across the city (indoor water parks new apartments, etc) also AC has huge beach concerts which draws big names and large crowds. It’s seemed more lively lately than in the 90s-2010 range.

[NicksElixir]

I'm starting this video now and I'm excited to watch because I grew up in and around Atlantic City. My maternal family has lived in the city for at least 5 generations. Sad to know that it peaked way before I was born, but when I learn how glamorous it used to be, I wonder if it can be restored to its former glory. I don't live in Atlantic City anymore, but I'm hoping I can help play a big or small part in its revival while I'm alive.

[dirkbonesteel]

Anyone into Atlantic City should watch Boardwalk Empire series. Great digital reconstructions with fantastic plots

[migue]

Hurricane Sandy did a lot of damage to many of the buildings. That storm was crazy mad.

[nelsonricardo]

My favorite part of the Raid ad was fast-forwarding through it.

[henrycheng]

JITNEY, WHY DO YOU KEEP SAYING JITTEY?

[normangoldschmidt]

Did anyone else notice how many of the photos are NOT Atlantic city? The street cars are in Toronto, and Buffalo ( they are labeled Toronto and Buffalo, Hamburg and Aurora). Now I have to re-watch and see how many other photos are recognizable as other cities

[richardawatterson]

Even though Atlantic City is pretty much dead i still love going there. Walking on the boardwalk the shops and the history makes it still unique.

[davyjones]

Great video. I would say that AC definitely seems to be getting better within the last few years. A lot of new development is occurring and hopefully that trend can continue.

[amyt]

A visit to “Steel’s Fudge” on the Boardwalk is still a reason to visit Atlantic City (try the Chocolate, Coconut or Pistachio Fudge). Another foodie destination spot (though not on the Boardwalk) is the super famous sandwich spot, “White House Subs”. The beach in AC is still superb in the Summer...nothing like a long stroll on the Boardwalk!!! 🌊

[richdiscoveries]

I stayed at the Clarion back in 2008. It had its issues with water and other minor things but such a beautiful old Historic Hotel. So happy I had the opportunity to experience it while it is still with us