Ocean City NJ has been a family beach resort since 1879. Understanding its history helps explain why this town is different from other Shore communities. Here is the story of OCNJ.

The Beginning: 1879

Ocean City was founded by Methodist ministers who wanted to create a Christian seaside resort. The original plan was clear:

• Family-friendly environment
• No alcohol (still true today)
• Wholesome recreation
• Escape from city life

The founders bought the land, laid out streets, and began selling lots. The Ocean City Association governed the town with religious principles.

The Boardwalk

The first boardwalk was built in 1880, just a year after the town was founded. It has been rebuilt several times after storms, but the boardwalk has been central to OCNJ identity for nearly 150 years.

Key boardwalk moments:

• 1927: Music Pier built
• Various hurricanes: Rebuilding after major storms
• 1962: Major storm damage, significant rebuilding

The Dry Town

Ocean City has never had legal alcohol sales. The founders prohibition has held through:

• National Prohibition (1920-1933)
• Multiple local votes to stay dry
• Modern era—still dry by choice

Residents vote to maintain the dry status. Many see it as protecting the family atmosphere that defines OCNJ.

Americas Greatest Family Resort

The town adopted this slogan and has worked to live up to it. Unlike Wildwood or Atlantic City, OCNJ deliberately chose the family path:

• No casinos
• No bars or clubs
• Family-oriented boardwalk
• Clean beaches

Notable History

The 1962 Storm

The Ash Wednesday nor-easter devastated the Jersey Shore. OCNJ suffered major damage:

• Boardwalk destroyed
• Homes damaged and destroyed
• Major rebuilding followed

Historic Buildings

• Music Pier (1929): Moorish Revival architecture, iconic OCNJ landmark
• Flanders Hotel (1923): Once the finest hotel on the island
• Historic homes: Victorian and early 20th century architecture throughout

Growth and Change

OCNJ evolved from a small religious camp meeting site to a major Shore resort:

• Early 1900s: Expansion of tourism, more permanent residents
• Mid-century: Amusement piers, modern boardwalk culture
• Late 1900s: Larger vacation homes, condominium development
• Today: Year-round population plus major summer influx

The Culture Today

What the founders started continues to define OCNJ:

• Family-first atmosphere
• Dry town status
• Community involvement
• Generational visitors (families returning for decades)

Many families have been coming to OCNJ for three or four generations. That continuity shapes the towns character.

Learning More

• Ocean City Historical Museum: Local history exhibits
• Walking tours: Historic architecture tours available
• Music Pier: The building itself is historic

The Verdict

OCNJ history explains its present. The Methodist founders vision of a wholesome family resort has persisted for nearly 150 years. The dry town, the family focus, the clean beaches—all trace back to 1879. Understanding this history helps you appreciate what makes OCNJ different from every other Shore town.

Experience modern OCNJ with our things to do guide.