OCEAN CITY’S HISTORY WITH VACATIONING IN AMERICA
Ocean City Maryland has a long and storied history. For centuries, Native Americans inhabited the area, but the first recorded visit to the area was by Captain John Smith in 1608. Over the next two hundred years, the region as a whole became more developed, with nearby Baltimore being a hub of trade and political activity during the American Revolution. By the late 1700s, the land that would become Ocean City had become a popular summer getaway for affluent residents of Baltimore. In 1875, a group of businessmen and investors purchased the land and incorporated it into the United States under the name the Town of Ocean City.
The town quickly grew in popularity, becoming a vacation beach destination for many, including President Grover Cleveland, who was a frequent visitor in the late 1800s. The city was also visited by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. These presidential vacations caused a spike in the growth of the city in both population and area.
In 1911, the town was hit by a devastating fire that destroyed much of the town. The townspeople rebuilt and the city continued to grow, reclaiming its status as a major tourist destination. In the early to mid-1900s, Ocean City was home to several of the country’s most popular amusement parks, including Trimper’s Rides, Frontier Town, and Jolly Roger Amusement Park.
The 1950s and 1960s further cemented Ocean City as one of the prime destinations for Summer travel in the Eastern half of the U.S. The Boardwalk was expanded, and the town began to see a further increase in visitors. In the 1970s, the town shifted away from its amusement park past and focus more on its beach and boardwalk attractions.
Today, the Boardwalk is still a major attraction, with its iconic restaurants, shops, and arcades. The town also boasts a wide variety of activities including golf courses, fishing, horseback riding, and, of course, a celebrated selection of watersports. Many families make an annual tradition of visiting Ocean City from the surrounding states. So many tourists and locals alike remember seeing the Sea Rocket Speed Boat jetting across the ocean waters. Seeing and riding the Sea Rocket is an integral part of the Ocean City experience for many travelers. We couldn’t be more proud that so many people recognize our iconic ship.
Ocean City Maryland is a town with a rich history. From its beginnings as a summer getaway for the affluent to its modern-day status as a popular beach destination, Ocean City has come a long way in the last few centuries. With its beautiful beaches, lively boardwalk, and wide range of activities, it’s no wonder why this Maryland town has become a favorite vacation spot. There are so many wonderful things to do in Ocean City. If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting, stop by this Summer! When you do, please stop by our Sea Rocket station and say hello. We would love to show you all there is to do in Ocean City and tell you a little bit about why we love this town so much!