History of Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland, is not only a premier resort town, but has a history of welcoming visitors and vacationers, as well as major developers. The beginning of Ocean City's vacation resort is said to be when a farmer, named Isaac Coffin, built the first cottage on the beach for customers.Before him, Ocean City was known as "The Ladies Resort to the Ocean". More boarding houses opened as many travelled on stagecoaches and ferries. Developers swooped in to buy 250 lots; there were 40,000 shares which sold at $25 a share. First luxury hotel opened July 4th, 1875. Railroad was completed and stretched right to the sand in and around 1878. Due to storm, in 1933, an inlet formed, which was a blessing for fishers. In 1952, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was built, giving better access for those coming from Baltimore - Washington, while, in 1964, the Bay Bridge Tunnel was completed, making it easier for southerners. Since then, Ocean City, Maryland, has become one the most popular beach resort towns, with a high standard of living�reflected in its accommodations and lodging on the East Coast. As of 2000 census, 7,173 people reside in Ocean City. And an estimated 320,000-345,000 weekenders visit during the summer months.