Early Cape May [Part 5 - The Spectacular History of the New Jersey Shore]

Cape May can truly be considered, America's first Seaside Resort. Attracting many politicians and wealthy plantation owners, it would reach its peak of popularity in the decade prior to the Civil War,
By 1850, it was featuring many fine, first class hotels. Among them was the Centre House, the Chalfonte, the Columbia House, the Ocean House, the Stockton Hotel, and Congress Hall. In 1853, it was boasting the magnificent Mount Vernon hotel.
By 1863, the Cape May and Millville Railroad was delivering visitors directly to the beach. Dances and grand balls were the events of the day, held in large dining halls and ballrooms. Wide, sprawling, hotel porches, and verandas, provided the perfect setting for social gatherings.Visitors were taking drives along the wide-open beach in their elegantly dressed carriages.
In 1875, the small community of Sea Grove was founded on Cape May Point. Three major fires would ravage Cape May in the 19th century. But the city would rebuild, constructing some of the most modern Victorian cottages of the day.
Music Credits
OPENING - Black Key Bob - Gem #24
Blue Dot Sessions - Yarrow and Root
Dan Lebowitz - Calm Forgiven Fate
Bortex - Pleasure
Aakash Gandhi - Just Stay

[@shaunl446]

This was so well done! Thank you!

[@historyofthejerseyshore]

Thank you, Shaun! I'm so glad you liked it 😃...and thanks again for the awesome compliment!

[@riandraegon556]

On my way to Cape May Point in one month. Can’t wait. Big yellow house next to the Lighthouse!!

[@historyofthejerseyshore]

Love that yellow house next to the lighthouse. Have a great time on the Point!

[@thraciangrapes]

I can't stop watching these wonderful videos! Thank you 😊

[@historyofthejerseyshore]

Thank you for watching! I'm so glad you're enjoying them. You're awesome! 😃

[@Dalt21]

I know this is a video of the early history of cape May. But my only complaint is the video ends talking about all those hotels that went up in flames. It makes it sound like that cape May’s Victorian architecture and history is no longer.
Also there’s a lot of history during World War 2. There’s ww2 towers and an old battery still here today.
Overall though, cape May did have a small downhill slide due to the fires and Atlantic City’s rise. However, now I’d argue that cape May is the best shore town in NJ, and one of the best on the east coast.

[@historyofthejerseyshore]

Hi Dalton Thanks for the review and the suggestions. If you look at this chapter in context, it represents one historical period in Cape May. If you watch the end of "Chapter III Cape May County" , there is more about Cape May. It is also mentioned in "WW I Part 16". It's hard to cover every historical detail in short videos but the fires were major events in Cape May's history. I agree with you 100% that it is still one of the best shore towns on the east coast. If not the best! 😊🏖

[@ruthlong6876]

Marie is that you