More Amazing Firsts That Happened In Atlantic City, New Jersey

A few years ago, we wrote an article about the many significant firsts in history that occurred in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Immediately following this article … is a great photo gallery about these “firsts.”

We were so impressed with the many national firsts that took place in Atlantic City.

We have now discovered a 1968 report by the New Jersey Department of conservation & economic development about still more amazing firsts that took place in Atlantic City.

We often comment about how significant Atlantic City is throughout American history.

Get our free mobile app

Here is our list of more national firsts that took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey:

1. THE BOARDWALK IN ATLANTIC CITY - 1870

In 1870, the first boardwalk was created. Most people think that it got its name because it is constructed of boards.

Nope. It is named after its Atlantic City inventor, Alexander Boardman.

Boardman, a train conductor, had become sick and tired, of being sick and tired of beach sand being tracked into his train.

The Boardwalk was expanded into use by the luxurious hotel properties, who also wanted to keep guests from bribing sand into their hotel lobbies.

It would be 13 years before the next national Atlantic City first.

2. SALT WATER TAFFY INVENTED IN ATLANTIC CITY - 1883

This one was a complete accident. A summer storm sprayed ocean salt water over David Bradley’s Taffy Shack.

Bradley quickly advertised his product as “Salt Water Taffy.”

The name stuck and it has endured for more than 140 years.

From here, the Atlantic City firsts came fast and furious.

3. THE FIRST EASTER PARADE IN AMERICA WAS IN ATLANTIC CITY - 1876

4. THE FIRST AMUSEMENT PIER IN AMERICA TO BE BUILT OVER WATER WAS IN ATLANTIC CITY - 1882

5. THE FIRST PICTURE POSTCARDS IN AMERICA WERE MADE IN ATLANTIC CITY - 1893

6. THE FIRST FERRIS WHEEL IN AMERICAN HISTORY WAS IN ATLANTIC CITY - 1896

7. THE FIRST MISS AMERICA PAGEANT IN AMERICAN HISTORY WAS IN ATLANTIC CITY - 1902

8. THE FIRST MOTION PICTURE WAS SHOWN IN ATLANTIC CITY - 1913

We may take all of this for granted, however, when you take the time to chronicle it all, it’s extraordinary how important Atlantic City is in American history.

SOURCE: New Jersey Department of conservation & economic development (1968).