Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times And Corruption of Atlantic City (38 page)

Samuel Richards

Samuel Richards was part of South Jersey’s aristocracy in the mid-19th century. He was a mogul in lumber, bog iron, and glass. Richards latched on to Pitney’s plans, and with his wealth and political influence, made the dream a reality, and then some. Photo taken 1884.

Atlantic City “Pre“-Railroad

This was the virgin landscape out of which Pitney and Richards carved their beach village. Photo taken 1850.

Camden-Atlantic Railroad

The first train station built in 1854.

The Petrel

One of the early trains crossing the bridge connecting Atlantic City with the mainland. Photo taken 1866.

United States Hotel

Built by the Camden-Atlantic Railroad in 1854. At the time of its construction, its 600+ rooms made it the largest hotel in the country.

Atlantic & Vermont Avenues

View of the early inlet area from atop the Atlantic City Lighthouse in 1866.

Atlantic & Vermont Avenues

The same view, 20 years later, illustrates the impact of Samuel Richards’ second narrow gauge railroad.

Tent City

The second railroad launched a period of growth that lasted nearly 50 years. Each spring of the late 19th century a “Tent City” arose some place in the town. These provided temporary housing for hundreds of craftsmen and laborers needed to build Atlantic City. Photo taken 1912.

The Boardwalk

The early years, circa 1875.

The Boardwalk

Construction of the first permanent structure with the walk raised above the beach, 1884.

The Boardwalk

Erection of the first steel-supported Boardwalk, 1896.

“Captain” John Young

John Young was Atlantic City’s answer to P.T. Barnum. He made a fortune off nickels and dimes and dazzled patrons with his “deep sea net haul.” Photo taken 1891.

Hauling the Net

John Young’s “creatures of the deep” left his customers gaping and gave them something to talk about back home. Photo circa 1910.