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Information provided by
visitworcester.org
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Resort glamour, sophisticated
entertainment and gourmet dining share the spotlight with
funky souvenir shops, amusement parks and unparalleled
French fries. Swimming, boating, fishing, golf, tennis,
shopping and dining - OC has it all! |
More than a century ago, Ocean City was a barren, wind-swept
barrier island that separated the Atlantic Ocean from
Sinepuxent Bay. This lonely stretch of sand was known only
to a handful of fishermen who came to the island. Shortly
after the Civil War in 1869, the Rhode Island Inn was
constructed for the fishermen and others who sought the
beach as a refuge. The popularity of the inn began to
realize the beache's potential to attract visitors. In 1872
early developers of the island named it the "Ladies Resort
of the Ocean" inferring a gentility to attract families to
visit.
Access from the mainland was by stagecoach and then by
ferry. The Atlantic was the first hotel. It opened on the
fourth of July 1875 and still stands today. Popularity of
the resort grew rapidly with the construction of the
railroad bridge. This was followed by construction of the
famous boardwalk, which was permanently laid in 1910.
Then in August 1933, a hurricane ravaged the island. The
town was slow to recover but benefitted by the event. The
heavy seas opened an inlet separating the town from what is
now, Assateague Island. The inlet created a safe harbor for
fishing vessels and boosted the towns economy.
Today, the town is a year round destination which truly
offers something for everyone. Make sure you take the
self-guided walking tour of the downtown to experience and
understand its proud heritage.
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