Delaware Bay is the estuary outlet of the Delaware River on the northeast seaboard of the United States, lying between the states of Delaware and New Jersey . It is approximately 782 square miles (2,030 km ) in area, the bay's freshwater mixes for many miles with the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean .
64-663: Cape May (sometimes Cape May City ) is a city and seaside resort located at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula in Cape May County in the U.S. state of New Jersey . Located on the Atlantic Ocean near the mouth of the Delaware Bay , it is one of the country's oldest vacation resort destinations. The city, and all of Cape May County, is part of the Ocean City metropolitan statistical area , and
128-558: A Royal Navy frigate , a sloop-of-war and a Loyalist privateer . The strategic importance of the bay was noticed by the Marquis de Lafayette during the American Revolutionary War , who proposed the use of Pea Patch Island at the head of the bay for a defensive fortification to protect the important ports Philadelphia and New Castle, Delaware . Fort Delaware was later constructed on Pea Patch Island. During
192-473: A 56.5% turnout. Cape May established a desalinization plant in the late 1990s to manage salt going into its water aquifers. City (New Jersey) A city in the context of local government in New Jersey refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government. Despite the widely held perception of a city as a large, urban area , cities in New Jersey have a confused history as
256-410: A form of government and vary in size from large, densely populated areas to much smaller hamlets . The 1897 and 1899 city charter laws applied only to areas with a population under 12,000, and provided for a directly elected mayor, who served a two-year term and had strong executive powers. Both featured a council elected from wards to staggered three-year terms, plus one councilman elected at-large for
320-610: A grant for the land explored in 1521 by Francisco Gordillo and slave trader Captain Pedro de Quejo (de Quexo). Ayllón sent Quejo northward in 1525 and received reports of the coastline from as far north as Delaware Bay. That same year, De Ayllon and Captain Quejo called Delaware Bay by the name "Saint Christopher's Bay". In the 1600s, the bay was known as "Niew Port May" after Captain Cornelius May . Another recorded European visit to
384-489: A term of two years. The mayor had a veto power, which could be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the council. The two acts differed in a number of ways, including the process for selection of a board of education (1897: elected; 1899: appointed by the council). By 1987, there were only eleven cities under these City Acts (including East Orange , which effectively operated under a special City charter). As in other forms, many amendments, revisions and changes had been made over
448-542: A total of 1,932 registered voters in Cape May City, of which 452 (23.4%) were registered as Democrats , 838 (43.4%) were registered as Republicans and 640 (33.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 2 voters registered as either Libertarians or Greens . In the 2012 presidential election , Republican Mitt Romney received 52.2% of the vote (745 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 46.9% (669 votes), and other candidates with 0.9% (13 votes), among
512-725: A tourism office in Montreal , Quebec , but around 1995 it closed due to budget cuts. By 2010, the tourism office of Cape May County established a French language coupon booklet. Cape May has become known both for its Victorian gingerbread homes and its cultural offerings. The town hosts the Cape May Jazz Festival, the Cape May Music Festival and the Cape May, New Jersey Film Festival. Cape May Stage , an Equity theater founded in 1988, performs at
576-504: Is arguably the top bird-watching area in the entire Northeastern United States. The Cape May Warbler , a small songbird, takes it name from this location. The Cape May Bird Observatory is based nearby at Cape May Point . Cape May is also a destination for marine mammal watching. Several species of whales and dolphins can be seen in the waters of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, many within 10 mi (16 km) of land, due to
640-456: Is around 15 in (380 mm), and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity. According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Cape May would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern Cordgrass ( 73 ) with a dominant vegetation form of Coastal Prairie ( 20 ). The 2010 United States census counted 3,607 people, 1,457 households, and 782 families in
704-524: Is generally low-lying; its highest point, at the intersection of Washington and Jackson Streets, is 14 ft (4.3 m) above sea level. Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within the city include Poverty Beach. Cape May borders the Cape May County municipalities of Lower Township and West Cape May Borough and the Atlantic Ocean . The Cape May–Lewes Ferry provides transportation across
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#1732787152600768-544: Is now Cape May was formed as the borough of Cape Island by the New Jersey Legislature on March 8, 1848, from portions of Lower Township . It was reincorporated as Cape Island City on March 10, 1851, and was renamed Cape May City on March 9, 1869. Tourism to the city was boosted in 1863 with the opening of the Tuckahoe and Cape May Railroad . The city suffered devastating fires in 1869 and 1878. In
832-551: Is part of the Philadelphia - Wilmington - Camden , PA -NJ- DE - MD combined statistical area , also known as the Delaware Valley or Philadelphia metropolitan area . It is the southernmost municipality in New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census , the city's resident population was 2,768, a decrease of 839 (−23.3%) from the 2010 census count of 3,607, which in turn reflected a decline of 427 (−10.6%) from
896-736: Is part of the South Jersey region of the state. The area was originally settled by the Kechemeche Native American tribe , who were part of the Lenape tribe. The Kechemeche first encountered European colonialists around 1600. The city was named for the Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey , who explored and charted the area between 1611–1614 and established a claim for the province of New Netherland . It
960-612: Is represented in the State Senate by Mike Testa ( R , Vineland ) and in the General Assembly by Antwan McClellan (R, Ocean City ) and Erik K. Simonsen (R, Lower Township ). Cape May County is governed by a five-person Board of County Commissioners whose members are elected at-large on a partisan basis to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year; At an annual reorganization held each January,
1024-421: Is responsible for the city's executive functions, managing Cape May's activities and operation. Voters approved a November 2010 referendum to shift the city's elections from May to November, with city officials estimating that the change would save $ 30,000 in costs that had been associated with each May election. In March 2015, Councilman Jerry Inderwies Jr. resigned to protest what he called a "witch hunt" against
1088-524: Is the chief executive and votes only to break a tie. The Mayor has veto power over all or portions of any ordinance, subject to override by a two-thirds vote of the Council. The Act also provides for the delegation of executive responsibilities to a municipal administrator. Those cities operating under pre-1987 charters could retain the characteristics of their structure of government regarding terms of office, number of positions and other powers. Provisions of
1152-586: Is transforming the historic Franklin Street School, constructed in 1928 to house African-American students in a segregated school, into a Community Cultural Center. Cape May is the home of Cape May diamonds , which show up at Sunset Beach and other beaches in the area. These are in fact clear quartz pebbles that wash down from the Delaware River . They begin as prismatic quartz (including the color sub-varieties such as smoky quartz and amethyst) in
1216-522: The 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session , the 1st legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature
1280-534: The 2000 United States census , there were 4,034 people, 1,821 households, and 1,034 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,623.7 inhabitants per square mile (626.9/km). There were 4,064 housing units at an average density of 1,635.7 per square mile (631.5/km). The racial makeup of the city was 91.32% White , 5.26% African American , 0.20% Native American , 0.40% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 1.26% from other races , and 1.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.79% of
1344-537: The American Civil War it was used as a Union prison camp. In 1855, the United States government systematically undertook the formation of a 26 ft (7.9 m) channel 600 ft (180 m) wide from Philadelphia to deep water in Delaware Bay. The Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 provided for a 30-foot (9.1 m) channel 600 feet (180 m) wide from Philadelphia to the deep water of
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#17327871526001408-428: The Delaware River and Bay Authority . The shores of the bay are largely composed of salt marshes and mudflats , with only small communities inhabiting the shore of the lower bay. Several of the rivers hold protected status for their salt marsh wetlands bordering the bay, which serves as a breeding ground for many aquatic species, including horseshoe crabs . The bay is also a prime oystering ground. Delaware Bay
1472-594: The Delmarva Peninsula . During the summer months in Cape May, a cooling afternoon sea breeze is present on most days, but episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values at or above 95.0 °F (35.0 °C). During the winter months, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values 0.0 °F (−17.8 °C). The hardiness zone of Cape May is 8a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 10.8 °F (−11.8 °C). The average seasonal snowfall total
1536-411: The 1,036 ballots cast by the city's 1,902 registered voters (25 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 54.5%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 52.1% of the vote (608 ballots cast), ahead of both Democrat Jon Corzine with 39.1% (457 votes) and Independent Chris Daggett with 6.8% (80 votes), with 1,168 ballots cast among the city's 2,069 registered voters, yielding
1600-453: The 1,442 ballots cast by the city's 1,925 registered voters (15 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 74.9%. In the 2008 presidential election , Republican John McCain received 50.9% of the vote (817 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama , who received 46.4% (745 votes), with 1,605 ballots cast among the city's 1,940 registered voters, for a turnout of 82.7%. In the 2004 presidential election , Republican George W. Bush received 53.8% of
1664-518: The 100th anniversary of the harbor's creation. Cape May is the southernmost point in New Jersey. It is at approximately the same latitude as Washington, D.C. , and Arlington County, Virginia , and equidistant to Manhattan and Virginia . According to the Köppen climate classification system, Cape May has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) with hot, humid summers, cool winters and year-round precipitation. Its climate resembles that of its neighbor,
1728-566: The 1879 Emlen Physick Estate from demolition. MAC offers a wide variety of tours, activities and events throughout the year for residents and visitors and operates three Cape May area historic sites—the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, the Cape May Lighthouse and the World War II Lookout Tower. The Center for Community Arts (CCA) offers African American history tours of Cape May, arts programs for young people and
1792-797: The 1987 Act can then be adopted through a petition and referendum process by the electorate. There are 52 cities in New Jersey: Delaware Bay The bay is bordered inland by the states of Delaware and New Jersey , and its mouth is framed by Cape Henlopen in Delaware and Cape May in New Jersey, on the Atlantic. Delaware Bay is bordered by six counties: Sussex, Kent, and New Castle in Delaware, and Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem in New Jersey. The Cape May–Lewes Ferry crosses Delaware Bay from North Cape May, New Jersey , to Lewes, Delaware . The bay's ports are managed by
1856-545: The 4,034 counted in the 2000 census . In the summer, Cape May's population is expanded by as many as 40,000 to 50,000 visitors. The entire city of Cape May is designated the Cape May Historic District , a National Historic Landmark due to its concentration of Victorian architecture . In 2008, Cape May was recognized as one of the top 10 beaches in the United States by the Travel Channel . It
1920-539: The Calvert family to secure it. During the French and Indian War the dissemination of Joshua Fisher's original publication of the "Chart of Delaware Bay" was restricted by the authorities as its accuracy might advantage an enemy approach. In 1782 during the American Revolutionary War , Continental Navy Lieutenant Joshua Barney fought with a British squadron within the bay. Barney's force of three sloops defeated
1984-419: The Cape May boardwalk. Many historic hotels and B&Bs are located in Cape May, and commercial and sport fishing is a significant component of its economy. Cove Beach, located at Cape May southernmost tip, hosts hundreds of swimmers, sunbathers, surfers, and hikers daily during summer months. Cape May has been a popular resort for French Canadian tourists for several decades. Cape May County established
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2048-478: The Delaware Bay between North Cape May, New Jersey , and Lewes, Delaware . Cape May Harbor, which borders Lower Township and nearby Wildwood Crest allows fishing vessels to enter from the Atlantic Ocean, was created as of 1911, after years of dredging completed the harbor which covers 500 acres (200 ha). Cape May Harbor Fest celebrates life in and around the harbor, with the 2011 event commemorating
2112-476: The Delaware side, and the Salem River , Cohansey River , and Maurice Rivers on the New Jersey side. Delaware Bay ecosystem is a key stopover site for over 30 species of migrating shorebirds that migrate north come May. Many birds like red knots use this Bay area to fuel up their energy reserves on horseshoe crab eggs after the long journey. Delaware Bay hosts the largest population of horseshoe crabs in
2176-615: The Faulkner Act Small Municipality form since 1995. The city is one of 42 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and the four-member City Council, with all positions elected at-large to four-year terms of office on a non-partisan basis as part of the November general election in even-numbered years. The Mayor is elected directly by
2240-490: The Mayor of Cape May City is Zachary Mullock, whose term of office ends December 31, 2024. Other members of the Cape May City Council are Deputy Mayor Lorraine M. Baldwin (2026), Maureen K. McDade (2026), Shaine P. Meier (2026) and Michael Yeager (2024; elected to fill an unexpired term). Cape May City is located in the 2nd Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 1st state legislative district. For
2304-688: The Robert Shackleton Playhouse on the corner of Bank and Lafayette Streets. East Lynne Theater Company, an Equity professional company specializing in American classics and world premieres, has its mainstage season from June–December and March, with school residencies throughout the year. Cape May is home to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC), established in 1970 by volunteers who succeeded in saving
2368-698: The area in 1655. After the English took title to the New Netherland colony in 1667 at the Treaty of Breda the bay came into their possession and was renamed Delaware Bay, the name given it in 1610 by Samuel Argall , after the then new Governor of Virginia, Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr . The Native American tribe living along the bay and river were later called the Delaware by the Europeans due to their location. The U.S. state also takes its name from
2432-404: The average family size was 2.69. In the city, the population was spread out, with 16.3% under the age of 18, 11.5% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 28.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males. The median income for a household in the city
2496-534: The balance of the term of office. Also in January 2021, Michael Voll was appointed to City Manager. In November 2021, the city council appointed Michael Yeager to fill the seat expiring in December 2021 that had bene held by Christopher Bezaire until he resigned after pleading guilty earlier that month to charges that he had engaged in stalking an ex-girlfriend and that he had been in contempt of court. As of 2023,
2560-553: The bay and the river. Conflicting crown grants were made to the James, Duke of York and William Penn on the west bank of the bay and river. Settlement grew rapidly, leading Philadelphia , upriver on the Delaware, to become the largest city in North America in the 18th century. Penn viewed access to Delaware Bay as being so critical to Pennsylvania's survival that he engaged in an eighty-year long legal boundary dispute with
2624-593: The bay was by Henry Hudson , who claimed it for the Dutch East India Company in 1609. The Dutch called the estuary "Godyns Bay", or "Godins Bay" after a director of the company, Samuel Godijn . As part of the New Netherland colony, the Dutch established several settlements (the most famous being Zwaanendael ) on the shores of the bay and explored its coast extensively. The thin nature of
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2688-678: The bay. Other names for the bay have been "South Bay" and "Zuyt Baye". The bay is one of the most important navigational channels in the United States; it is the second busiest waterway after the Mississippi River . Its lower course forms part of the Intracoastal Waterway . The need for direct navigation around the two capes into the ocean is circumvented by the Cape May Canal and the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal at
2752-456: The city. The population density was 1,500.6 per square mile (579.4/km). There were 4,155 housing units at an average density of 1,728.5 per square mile (667.4/km). The racial makeup was 89.05% (3,212) White , 4.85% (175) Black or African American , 0.30% (11) Native American , 0.67% (24) Asian , 0.11% (4) Pacific Islander , 2.30% (83) from other races , and 2.72% (98) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.62% (311) of
2816-621: The commissioners select one member to serve as director and another to serve as vice-director. As of 2024, Cape May County's Commissioners are Director Leonard C. Desiderio ( R , Sea Isle City , 2024), Robert Barr (R, Ocean City ; 2025), Will Morey (R, Wildwood Crest ; 2026), Melanie Collette (R. Middle Township ; 2026), and Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski (R, Lower Township ; 2025). The county's constitutional officers are Clerk Rita Marie Rothberg (R, 2025, Ocean City), Sheriff Robert Nolan (R, 2026, Lower Township) and Surrogate E. Marie Hayes (R, 2028, Ocean City). As of March 2011, there were
2880-515: The confluence of fresh and saltwater that make for a nutrient rich area for marine life. Whale and dolphin watching cruises are a year-round attraction in Cape May, part of an ecotourism / agritourism industry that generated $ 450 million in revenue in the county, the most of any in the state. The Harriet Tubman Museum in downtown Cape May features the life and work of Harriet Tubman , an abolitionist and social activist . Cape May Fisherman's Memorial, located at Baltimore and Missouri Avenues,
2944-599: The corporate colony's presence in the bay and along what was called the South River (now the Delaware) made it possible for Peter Minuit , the former director of New Netherland, to establish a competing Swedish sponsored settlement, New Sweden in 1638. The resulting dispute with the Dutch colonial authorities in New Amsterdam (New York City) was settled when Petrus Stuyvesant led a Dutch military force into
3008-574: The early hours of August 31, 1869, a fire broke out in the Japanese store on Washington Street. The fire destroyed the post office and at least thirty-five other buildings. Press reports at the time did not mention any deaths. In 1878, a five-day-long fire destroyed 30 blocks of the town center. Replacement homes were almost uniformly of Victorian style, and more recent protectionist efforts have left Cape May with many famously well-maintained Victorian houses—the second largest collection of such homes in
3072-573: The nation after San Francisco. Because of the World War II submarine threat off the East Coast of the United States , especially off the shore of Cape May and at the mouth of the Delaware Bay , numerous United States Navy facilities were located here in order to protect American coastal shipping. Cape May Naval facilities, listed below, provided significant help in reducing the number of ships and crew members lost at sea. In 1976, Cape May
3136-436: The police chief. In the November 2015 general election, Roger Furlin was elected to fill the balance of the council seat vacated by Inderwies. In January 2021, the city council selected Lorraine Baldwin to fill the council seat expiring in 2022 that had been held by Zachary Mullock until he resigned to take office as mayor. Baldwin served on an interim basis until the November 2021 general election, when voters chose her to serve
3200-434: The population were under the age of 18, 20.6% from 18 to 24, 18.6% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 27.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 104.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 107.4 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
3264-416: The population. Of the 1,457 households, 16.3% had children under the age of 18; 44.6% were married couples living together; 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present and 46.3% were non-families. Of all households, 42.0% were made up of individuals and 27.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.95 and the average family size was 2.64. 12.8% of
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#17327871526003328-406: The population. There were 1,821 households, out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.2% were non-families. 39.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and
3392-510: The quartz veins alongside the Delaware River that get eroded out of the host rock and wash down 200 miles to the shore. Collecting Cape May diamonds is a popular pastime and many tourist shops sell them polished or even as faceted stones. The Cape May area is also world-famous for the observation of migrating birds , especially in the fall. With over 400 bird species having been recorded in this area by hundreds of local birders, Cape May
3456-415: The vote (942 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry , who received around 44.0% (771 votes), with 1,752 ballots cast among the city's 2,276 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 77.0. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 72.9% of the vote (737 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 25.8% (261 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (13 votes), among
3520-451: The voters. The Borough Council is elected to serve four-year terms on a staggered basis, with three seats coming up for election together and then the mayor and the fourth council seat up for vote together two years later. Following the 2004 elections, the first under the new form of government, lots were drawn to determine which of the newly elected members would serve a four-year term, with the other three serving two-year terms. A city manager
3584-603: The world. At the time of the arrival of the Europeans in the early 17th century, the area around the bay was inhabited by the Native American Lenape people. They called the Delaware River "Lenape Wihittuck", which means "the rapid stream of the Lenape". Delaware Bay was called "Poutaxat", which means "near the falls". In 1523, Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón had received from Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor
3648-426: The years, leading to confusing and often conflicting legislation. The City Act of 1987 provides for a directly elected mayor who serves a four-year term and for a council that consists of seven members; six elected from two wards for staggered three-year terms and one elected at large for a four-year term. There are three councilmen in each ward with one councilmember from each ward up for election every year. The mayor
3712-492: Was designated a National Historic Landmark as the Cape May Historic District , making Cape May the only city in the U.S. to be wholly designated as a national historic district. That designation is intended to ensure the architectural preservation of these buildings. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , Cape May had a total area of 2.90 square miles (7.50 km), including 2.47 square miles (6.41 km) of land and 0.42 square miles (1.10 km) of water (14.59%). Cape May
3776-569: Was $ 33,462, and the median income for a family was $ 46,250. Males had a median income of $ 29,194 versus $ 25,842 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 29,902. About 7.7% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those age 65 or over. Tourism is Cape May's largest industry. The economy runs on the Washington Street Mall and includes shops, restaurants, lodgings, and tourist attractions including
3840-422: Was $ 35,660 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 4,248) and the median family income was $ 50,846 (+/− $ 16,315). Males had a median income of $ 43,015 (+/− $ 20,953) versus $ 31,630 (+/− $ 22,691) for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 30,046 (+/− $ 4,010). About 2.2% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over. As of
3904-468: Was built in 1988. It features a circular plaza reminiscent of a giant compass, a granite statue of a mother and two small children looking out to Harbor Cove, and a granite monument listing the names of 75 local fishermen who died at sea. The names begin with Andrew Jeffers, who died in 1893, and include the six people who died in March 2009 with the sinking of the scalloping boat Lady Mary . The granite statue
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#17327871526003968-632: Was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance on May 20, 1992. It was the first site classified in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network . While the Delaware River is by far the largest tributary of Delaware Bay, numerous smaller rivers and streams also drain to the bay. These include the Appoquinimink River , Leipsic River , Smyrna River , St. Jones River , Mispillion River , Broadkill River and Murderkill Rivers on
4032-634: Was designed by Heather Baird with Jerry Lynch. The memorial is maintained by the City of Cape May and administered by the Friends of the Cape May Fisherman's Memorial. Visitors often leave a stone or seashell on the statue's base in tribute to the fishermen. Effective July 1, 2004, Cape May switched to a Council-Manager form of government under the Faulkner Act , after having used Plan A of
4096-526: Was later settled by New Englanders from the New Haven Colony . Cape May began hosting vacationers from Philadelphia in the mid-18th century and is recognized as the country's oldest seaside resort . Following the construction of Congress Hall in 1816, Cape May became increasingly popular in the 19th century and was considered one of the finest resorts in America by the 20th century. What
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