Atlantic City, city, Atlantic County, southeastern New Jersey, on narrow Absecon Island, on the Atlantic Ocean; incorporated 1854. It is a resort and convention center, noted for its big gambling casinos. Clamming, shell fishing, and candy manufacturing are among the biggest industries. Saltwater taffy originated here in 1883. Among the points of interest are the large Convention Hall, scene of the annual Miss America Pageant and the site of the 1964 national convention of the Democratic Party; the boardwalk, about 10 km (about 6 mi) long; several amusement piers extending from the boardwalk into the ocean; and nearby Absecon Lighthouse State Historic Site. Settled in the late 18th century, Atlantic City became (1854) the eastern terminus of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad and subsequently was developed as a major resort. After a period of decline in the 1960s and '70s, the economy of the city revived when legalized gambling began here in 1978. Population 40,199 (1980); 37,986 (1990); 38,063 (1998 estimate).
