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| City of Atlantic City | |
|---|---|
| Name | Atlantic City |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The World’s Playground" |
| Motto | "A.C. Resorts" |
| Coordinates | 39°21′21″N 74°25′01″W |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Atlantic County |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | May 1, 1854 |
| Area total km2 | 41.6 |
| Population total | 38,497 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 926.1 |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) |
| Postal code | 08401–08406 |
| Area code | 609 |
City of Atlantic City Atlantic City is a coastal municipality on Absecon Island in the mid‑Atlantic region of the United States, founded in the 19th century as a seaside resort and later transformed by the rise of the casino industry and tourism. The urban fabric includes the Atlantic City Boardwalk, a concentration of casino resorts along the beachfront, and connections to regional transportation corridors like the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway. Its identity is tied to iconic structures, historical figures, and events that shaped the Jersey Shore and the broader United States leisure economy.
Atlantic City emerged from early 19th‑century settlement patterns tied to maritime commerce, with founders such as Richard Osborne and investors associated with the Philadelphia City Railroad and the Camden and Atlantic Railroad accelerating growth. The 1854 incorporation predated major developments like the construction of the Atlantic City Boardwalk in 1870, which fostered resort-era landmarks including Tivoli Fountain, Steel Pier, and numerous Victorian hotels frequented by visitors from Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. During the Gilded Age and Progressive Era Atlantic City hosted political conventions and entertainment tied to figures like Al Capone's era of organized crime influence and performers who worked venues linked to the Vaudeville circuit, Jerry Lewis, and Frank Sinatra. The mid‑20th century saw urban decline as suburbanization, changes in transportation exemplified by the rise of the Interstate Highway System, and competition from other resorts reduced revenues until the state legalized casino gambling in 1976, catalyzing the arrival of corporations such as Harrah's Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Entertainment which reshaped the shoreline with megaresorts. Reconstruction after disasters including the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944 and later economic downturns involved federal and state agencies like the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and initiatives associated with the Casino Control Commission.
Located on Absecon Island, Atlantic City faces the Atlantic Ocean and lies near inlets such as the Absecon Inlet and features coastal geomorphology shared with barrier islands like Long Beach Island and Brigantine Island. Its urban plan centers on the famous wooden boardwalk along the beachfront, adjacent to neighborhoods including the Marina District and Chelsea Heights. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, with maritime influences moderating temperatures relative to inland cities such as Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware; weather patterns are affected by Nor'easters, tropical cyclones like Hurricane Sandy (2012), and seasonal sea breezes governed by regional atmospheric systems including the Bermuda High. Environmental management involves agencies and programs such as the United States Army Corps of Engineers, coastal restoration projects with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and partnerships with academic institutions like Rutgers University.
Population trends reflect waves of migration and economic restructuring, with census data showing changes documented by the United States Census Bureau and studies by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The city's demographic profile includes diverse communities with ancestries tied to Italian Americans, Irish Americans, African Americans, and immigrant groups from the Caribbean influenced by regional hubs like Camden, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Socioeconomic indicators vary across neighborhoods; public services and schools operate within frameworks set by the Atlantic County authorities and institutions such as the Atlantic City School District. Shifts in population density and age structure have been analyzed in research from organizations like the Brookings Institution and demographic data platforms including the American Community Survey.
Atlantic City's economy has been historically anchored in tourism, hospitality, and gaming, with the casino era driven by legislation from the New Jersey Legislature and oversight by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission and Division of Gaming Enforcement (New Jersey). Major operators such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Boyd Gaming, Hard Rock International, and Tropicana Entertainment established resorts that integrate hotels, convention centers, retail complexes, and entertainment venues. Ancillary sectors include convention business linked to venues like the Atlantic City Convention Center, maritime activities at the Atlantic City Cruise Port, and retail corridors on the Boardwalk with brands formerly operated by companies such as Macy's and entertainment promoters like Live Nation. Economic shocks—including competition from Native American gaming facilities like Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun and casino closures—have prompted diversification efforts involving state economic programs, investments by entities like the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, and redevelopment projects with partners including Stockton University and regional development corporations.
Municipal governance follows a mayor–council model under New Jersey statutes, with local elections shaped by party organizations such as the Democratic Party (United States) and the Republican Party (United States). State oversight has intersected with municipal affairs through interventions by the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services and past state actions addressing fiscal stress and public integrity matters investigated by the New Jersey Attorney General and federal entities like the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Political history includes high‑profile officeholders and civic leaders who interacted with state executives such as Governor Phil Murphy and federal representatives from congressional districts encompassing Atlantic City.
Access to Atlantic City is provided by arterial routes including the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway, regional rail services such as the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line, and intercity bus operators like Greyhound Lines and New Jersey Transit Bus Operations. Local transit includes the Atlantic City Jitney Association and services coordinated with the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Air access is available at Atlantic City International Airport, which hosts commercial flights and is associated with the United States Air Force base operations formerly at McGuire Air Force Base through joint use. Maritime links include ferry services historically connecting to Lewes, Delaware and seasonal excursions from the Atlantic City Ferry Terminal.
Cultural life centers on landmarks such as the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Boardwalk Hall (home to events once affiliated with the Miss America pageant), and entertainment venues hosting performers who toured circuits like The Beatles' era contemporaries and comedians associated with venues in Las Vegas. Recreational assets include beaches managed under state park systems like Brigantine State Beach, golf courses connected to resorts including facilities once managed by Tiger Woods' design firms, and arts programming involving institutions such as the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University and festivals that attract visitors from metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia. Annual events, conventions, and culinary scenes draw partnerships with organizations such as the Atlantic City Tourism District and national promoters, reinforcing the city's role as a regional leisure and entertainment hub.
Category:Cities in New Jersey