Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City, New Jersey, is a coastal resort city located on Absecon Island in Atlantic County. Internationally renowned as a major gambling and entertainment destination, its famed Boardwalk and numerous casino resorts have made it a cultural icon. The city's development was spurred by the arrival of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad in the 19th century, transforming it from a quiet health retreat into a bustling tourist metropolis. It is also famously associated with the board game Monopoly, which uses its street names, and hosts the annual Miss America pageant.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European exploration. The modern city was conceived as a seaside health resort by civil engineer Jonathan Pitney and was incorporated in 1854, with rapid growth following the completion of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad. The iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk, the first in the United States, was constructed in 1870 to reduce sand tracked into hotel lobbies. The city's prominence soared during the Prohibition era, becoming a hub for organized crime figures like Enoch L. Johnson. Legalized casino gambling arrived in 1976 following a statewide referendum, leading to a massive construction boom of properties like Resorts Casino Hotel, the first legal casino outside Nevada. The city has faced significant economic challenges, including the decline of traditional manufacturing and the impact of Hurricane Sandy.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.76 square miles, with 8.09 square miles of land and 2.67 square miles of water. It is situated on Absecon Island, a barrier island, and is bordered by the municipalities of Ventnor City, Margate City, and Longport to the south, and by Brigantine to the north. The city's geography is characterized by its beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, coastal marshes, and several inland waterways, including Absecon Inlet and Lakes Bay. The Atlantic City Expressway and the Garden State Parkway are the primary vehicular routes connecting the city to the mainland.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 38,497, representing a decline from previous decades. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant African American, Hispanic or Latino, and White populations. The city has a high population density compared to the state average. Historically, the population swelled during summer months with an influx of tourists and seasonal workers. Key demographic challenges have included poverty rates above the state average and outmigration, partly offset by immigration from places like Mexico and Vietnam. The United States Census Bureau designates the city as part of the Atlantic City-Hammonton metropolitan statistical area.

Economy

The economy is overwhelmingly dominated by tourism and hospitality, centered on its casino industry. Major employers include casino resorts owned by corporations like Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Hard Rock International. The Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall host major events, conventions, and concerts, contributing significantly to the local economy. Other sectors include retail along the Boardwalk and in The Quarter at Tropicana, and air transportation via Atlantic City International Airport. The city has faced economic volatility with the closure of several casinos in the 2010s, though recent openings like the Ocean Casino Resort have signaled reinvestment.

Culture and attractions

The city is famed for its four-mile-long Atlantic City Boardwalk, featuring shops, amusement piers like Steel Pier, and historic landmarks such as the Absecon Lighthouse. It is the longtime home of the Miss America pageant, held at Boardwalk Hall. Cultural institutions include the Atlantic City Historical Museum and the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University. Major annual events include the Atlantic City Airshow and the Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival. The city's casino resorts, such as Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, offer world-class entertainment, hosting performances by artists like Lady Gaga and Billy Joel.

Government

The city operates under the Faulkner Act mayor-council system of municipal government. The government consists of a mayor, currently Marty Small Sr., and a nine-member City Council. The city is part of New Jersey's 2nd congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Jeff Van Drew. At the state level, it is located in the 2nd Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature. The city also hosts various county offices for Atlantic County, including the Atlantic County Superior Court. Public safety is provided by the Atlantic City Police Department and other agencies.