Brigantine Beach Island is Rich in History
Brigantine is situated just north of Atlantic City on the southern of New Jersey coast and is the only "city-island" in the state. Our rich heritage began in the 1500's when the Lenape Indians called our island their "summer playground" or "Watamoonica."
The Dutch were the first Europeans to explore the Jersey coastline searching for a waterway through the New World to the Orient. The log book of Henry Hudson's ship "Half Moon" recalls the first observation of Brigantine Beach on September 2, 1608:
"This is a very good land to fall in with, and a pleasant land to see..." The legendary pirate, Captain William Kidd is said to have buried treasure under Brigantine Beach sand.
The name "Brigantine" came from a type of 1600's ship; perhaps one of the first of over three hundred vessels wrecked on the notorious offshore shoals - during a two hundred year period. During the American Revolution, American privateers (patriot - pirates) hid in our north and south inlets and would suddenly streak to attack unwary or disabled British ships. Shipbuilding and salt manufacturing (from sea water) became important industries during the war.

A major growth spurt occurred during the late 1800's. A railroad connecting Philadelphia to Brigantine, sixteen trolleys ran the length of the island, and steamboats carried people to and from Atlantic City during the "Gay Nineties."

Hotels sprang up and some served as "getaways" for important people including President Grover Cleveland. Hard times and harsh storms ended this boom in the early 1900's.

With the "Roaring Twenties" came the next growth period to this seashore resort. A bridge to Atlantic City, a boardwalk, new streets, a school and a golf course became realities. The Brigantine Lighthouse was built as an attraction and landmark "not as a navigational aid. The Stock Market Crash and Great Depression all but crushed this endeavor.

Brigantine Beach bounced back again and again, and survived major storms in 1944 and 1962. The Brigantine Inn was the site of the Coastal Warning Service of the US Army during World War II when local citizens made extraordinary sacrifices.

After the war our island grew steadily boasting a present day year round population of 15,000. Thousands of tourists seek out Brigantine's many activities and opportunities including boating, swimming, surfing, rowing, fishing, sailing, golf, a skateboard park, outdoor concerts, mini-grand prix car race, and more. Many social and service clubs are available as well. Brigantine Beach offers an enjoyable respite from the glitter and glamour of the casino life of Atlantic City, only minutes away.