Cape May

Cape May. It is a city at the southern tip of New Jersey's Cape May Peninsula, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Incorporated in 1848, it is the oldest seaside resort in the United States and is famed for its concentration of preserved Victorian architecture. The entire city is designated the Cape May Historic District, a National Historic Landmark recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

History

The area was named for Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen May and was historically inhabited by the Kechemeche band of the Lenape. The first permanent settlement was established by whalers and fishermen from New England in the late 17th century. By the 18th century, it gained prominence as a resort, attracting visitors like Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln. The city was largely rebuilt in the Victorian style after devastating fires in 1869 and 1878. Its significance in maritime history is preserved at the Cape May Lighthouse and the Naval Air Station Wildwood museum at the former Cape May Airport.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.81 square miles, primarily land. It sits on the Cape May Peninsula, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Delaware Bay to the west. Key geographic features include Cape May Point and the adjacent Cape May Point State Park. The area is part of the Jersey Shore region and is a critical stopover on the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds, monitored by the Cape May Bird Observatory.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 2,768. The racial makeup was predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with smaller populations identifying as African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian. The population experiences significant seasonal fluctuation due to its tourism economy. Housing data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a high number of seasonal or recreational homes. The median age is higher than the national average, a common characteristic of many coastal resort communities.

Economy and tourism

The economy is overwhelmingly driven by tourism and hospitality. As a premier Victorian seaside resort, it features numerous bed and breakfast inns, hotels like the Congress Hall, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Key attractions include the Cape May–Lewes Ferry, which connects to Delaware, the Washington Street Mall shopping district, and the Cape May Winery. The Cape May Convention Hall hosts events, while the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism actively promotes the area. Other significant draws are the Cape May Music Festival and the Cape May Stage theater.

Culture and landmarks

The city's culture is deeply intertwined with its architectural heritage and coastal location. The entire Cape May Historic District contains hundreds of Victorian-era buildings, with notable examples including the Emlen Physick Estate, now operated by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. Cultural institutions include the Cape May Film Festival and the Coastal Living magazine-celebrated beaches. Natural landmarks are centered on Cape May Point State Park, home to the Cape May Lighthouse and the World War II-era Fire Control Tower No. 23. The Cape May Diamonds (quartz pebbles) found on local beaches are a popular souvenir.

Category:Cities in New Jersey Category:Cape May County, New Jersey Category:Seaside resorts in New Jersey Category:National Historic Landmarks in New Jersey