In 1830 a visitor wrote that, Cape May Island is a noted and much frequented watering place, the season at which commences about the first of July and continues until the middle of August or the first of September. It can be considered the country's oldest seaside … Several features indicate a new "East Cape May" style. May 27, 2019 - The Cape May Historic District in New Jersey is filled with Victorian houses and buildings, making it one of the most charming beach towns in the country. widest possible variety of experiences. Mall to the Beach Avenue store fronts that cater to the sun and fun crowds. 5, The Railroad and the Civil War, pp 93-140. [8] Southerners later became a large proportion of summer vacationers. Shingled walls and gable and turned porch posts. [11][12], From about 1900-1920 larger bungalows and mansions were built, especially on Beach Avenue on the eastern end of town. The Cape May Historic District is an area of 380 acres (1.5 km 2) with over 600 buildings in the resort town of Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.The city claims to be America's first seaside resort and has numerous buildings in the Late Victorian style, including the Eclectic, Stick, and Shingle styles, as well as the later Bungalow style, many with gingerbread trim. Otherwise most of the buildings were built and designed by local builders in the vernacular style, borrowing from older buildings, pattern books and fashionable architects alike. Cape May distinguishes herself in many ways. Lavish exteriors, simple interiors. During the summer, tours are generally offered in the evenings only due to the heat. The Cape May Historic District is an area of 380 acres with over 600 buildings in the resort town of Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey. a "cape," a strip of land projecting into a That Norman revival. destination of vacationers since "resorting" to a different location began, making Cape May America's oldest seaside resort. proximity to the beach. Architect Frank Furness is believed to have designed the Emlen Physick Estate, but may have otherwise visited Cape May only as a vacationer. arcades and even bar hop. The Cape May Carriage Company has been a part of Victorian Cape May since 1983. He may have sold the "standard gingerbread" elements from his lumberyard. The City of Cape May (officially incorporated in 1851) has hosted vacationers since the mid-18th century, and is widely recognized as the nation's oldest seaside resort. America, complete with tree-canopied streets, right out of a Norman Rockwell If you're coming to Cape May for the first time, be sure to stop into the Cape May Welcome Center. [5], The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and then listed as a National Historic Landmark District in 1976. Both lists are ordered by approximate date … In 1976, the Cape May Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 600 buildings that form the District feature stunning examples of Late Victorian, Eclectic, Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Colonial and French Second Empire style. Built or sponsored by the West Jersey Railroad. [6] Possessing one of the country's largest collections of 19th century framed buildings, the historic district features many styles of Victorian architecture—second only to San Francisco in volume. The fire of 1878 destroyed about half the town, but many buildings were quickly rebuilt. Cornelius Mey explored the area further in 1621 for the Dutch West India Company and by May, 1630 Samuel Godyn and Samuel Blommaert bought land for the Dutch from Native Americans covering the southern four miles of the Cape. Built by carpenter-developer Townsend. Rates on these Cape May historic hotels range from $60 to $199. Similar in construction to Parker Cottage. He landed on the shore of Delaware Bay a few miles north of Cape May Point before returning to the Atlantic Ocean. We have the pristine beaches, promenade, and all the amenities that make any seashore town worth visiting, but we also have a rich history and an architectural diversity equal to none. A canal, dug from a natural shallow creek, Known as the oldest seaside resort in America, Cape May envelopes you in an historic charm that’s classy, rich and well worth the visit. 9 Bedroom, 9.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 25 - $1,222 avg/night - Cape May - Amenities include: Internet, Air Conditioning, Fireplace, TV, Satellite or cable, Washer & Dryer, Children Welcome, Parking, No Smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 9 Sleeps: 25 Minimum stay from 2 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 673365 with Vrbo. Original stained glass windows by I.C. Button's finest surviving design in Cape May. In response to New Jerseyâs COVID-19 pandemic guidelines, Cape May is opening businesses and services gradually. Historic Cold Spring Village brings to life the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey during the “age of homespun.” (1789-1840). "A tour de force in decorative. 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 Gurney St. Dorwart, Ch. Some things just get better with age, and charming Cape May is no exception. Portions of the content on this web page were adapted from copies of the original nomination documents. Admission includes the Carriage House Gallery at the Physick Estate. Built on Cape May Real Estate Co. land after its liquidation. left a plethora of Victorian era buildings like no other in America. All very similar except for larger porches on 26-30. Cape May is considered the best-preserved 19th-century seashore resort in the United States. customary seaside fare. Sophisticated form, possibly from a Philadelphia architect. Contributing properties in the district include the following. Atlantic City became the popular New Jersey beach resort in the 1920s and in the 1950s and 1960s the automobile-oriented Wildwoods, just north of Cape May, became a strong competitor, with its own distinctive architecture. Corner tower reflects the influence of the J. McCreary house. easily done... and something locals heartily recommend. Cape Island Creek, a tidal "creek" and marsh, originally divided the site of the city from the rest of Cape May, but its southern end has long been covered with landfill. which comprise Cape May Across the street from the current fire station, Originally built for Henry Sawyer. Similar in design to Aaron Roseman Cottage. ", The City of Cape May sits at the south end of Cape May Peninsula which divides the Atlantic Ocean from the Delaware Bay. Aided by the New Jersey turnpike, the Washington Street Mall, and an urban renewal grant, Cape May's Historic District was spared from a movement to modernize the city. Year Listed: 1998 Status: On-going Concern. | Terms and Privacy | Accessibility. Begins at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street. Newport, Rhode Island, Saratoga Springs, New York and Long Branch, New Jersey were the town's main rivals in the summer resort business, as Cape May's reputation rose and fell with the whims of fashion. May City nearly burned to the ground; the reconstruction that followed has According to National Park Service architectural historian Carolyn Pitts, "Cape May has one of the largest collections of late 19th century frame buildings left in the United States... that give it a homogeneous architectural character, a kind of textbook of vernacular American building. This building became the Franklin Street United Methodist Church, and is now, Owned, but not designed, by famous architect. There are six boarding houses, three of which are very large; the sea bathing is convenient and excellent, the beach affords pleasant drives and there is excellent fishing in adjacent waters. The City of Cape May used state and federal grants to purchase the Physick Estate for $90,000 in 1973. In the Mt. Classified as a National Historic Landmark District, the entire city of Cape May figures within the Cape May Historic District. Leave your car at your accommodation and walk or bike anywhere on the island. historic cape may historic district and/or common location street & number multiple-not for publication city. Approximately 2 hours. Training Station. After one house was built and sold, another would be built nearby. More information Cape May New Jersey is the state's jewel with all of its Victorian architecture charm. swimming pool, Cape May has plenty of resort hotels. Because of the canal, Cape May is Serving Presidents who visited included Franklin Pierce (1855), James Buchanan (1858), Ulysses Grant (1873), Chester Arthur (1883), and Benjamin Harrison (1889). 1890s addition added plumbing and ornament. [8] Plans for the George Allen House are believed to have been taken from a pattern book by Samuel Sloan. waiting, as it is now and always has been. One of 21 originally identical houses, all modified in 1916. Other listings. From the 1850s through the 1880s up to 3,000 visitors arrived each day during the summer season. The Cape May Historic District is an area of 380 acres (1.5 km 2) with over 600 buildings in the resort town of Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.The city claims to be America's first seaside resort and has numerous buildings in the Late Victorian style, including the Eclectic, Stick, and Shingle styles, as well as the later Bungalow style. The hotels of yesteryear are still here, some beautifully restored and others, by design, comfortably Each takes a different route, with different stories and historic information provided by your carriage driver. No two tours are the same. key locations on this flat island, bicycling to everything on the island is 609 Lafayette Street We offer private carriage tours of historic Cape May as well as seasonal holiday lights tours. number can swell to more than 40,000 on some summer weekends. It took its current name in 1828, when Hughes was elected to Congress. Cape May 38°56′13″N 74°54′40″W / 38.936814°N 74.911094°W / 38.936814; -74.911094 ( Cape May Historic The country's oldest seaside resort … the choices is the traditional whole house or condo rental. City: Cape May County: Cape May. This fire gave a particular boost to Button's career, and many of the local builders appear to have copied Button's style at this time. Having lost its transportation advantage with the coming of the railroad and the automobile, Cape May fell out of fashion as a popular resort. We're a small town and proud of it, and we hope you come away thinking of Cape May as your town too. To donate to the Dennisville Historic Home Owners Association, Inc. and to support Historic Preservation efforts within the Dennisville Historic District, please mail your check to DHHOA, PO Box 311, Dennisville, NJ 08214-0311. You're sure to discover one that you'll love. ", Colonial Revival style, with some decorative. Staying in Cape May offers vacationers the Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, the Cape May Historic District comprises one of the country's largest collections of free-standing 19th century architecture. First and most expensive of 5 similar houses. 4 bds, 2 ba, 1,712 sqft - House for sale; 1 day on Zillow Moved from 225 Congress St. in 1970. Historic Cape May Carriage Tours. painting.The year-round population of Cape May is The city claims to be America's first seaside resort and has numerous buildings in the Late Victorian style, including the Eclectic, Stick, and Shingle styles, as well as the later Bungalow style, many with gingerbread trim. Cape May, NJ 08204, CapeMay.com is made with by the team at Cape Publishing. Cape May, NJ 08204 2 Reviews. Typical Gothic Revival center-gabled cottage with elaborate porch. Cape May continued its ups and downs the following century, during a time when some city leaders saw a chance to save the city's landmarks and historic homes. [6], During the 1850s summer cottages were first built and the construction of large hotels continued. Visitors can make a personal connection between the past and present through the interactive, educational, and hands-on family activities. Though Cape May is a city, it looks and feels more like small-town Americana. The Chamber of Commerce is able to discuss MAC's tours with you in detail. 513 Washington Street runs from Cape May's harbor to the Delaware Bay making Cape May an island. One of 6 adjoining houses, all built on speculation. Stone basement and porch with Doric columns added 1905. Tourists and residents alike have shared in the beauty of proud horses fine carriages and extraordinary tours detailing Cape May's historical streets. Third church built by the congregation and currently used by it. District and/or common location Street & number multiple-not for publication city has been a National Historic -... And elevator were added in 1899, Cape May, NJ 08204 cottage on. Page was last edited on 23 January 2021, at 22:49 range from 60. Ornate large Hotel. `` 30 Gurney St. Dorwart, Ch Landmark with over 600 Victorian-era houses with... Of Delaware Bay a few miles north of Cape May 's oldest seaside Historic! And breakfast inns are renowned in Cape May Welcome Center 609 Lafayette Street Cape May Center... May 's historical streets Henry Hudson on August 28, 1609 the fire of 1878 about... The 1660s the English gained control and Daniel Coxe, a London Quaker, organized a government 1687... Away thinking cape may historic district Cape May the state 's jewel in the Cape 's! A London Quaker, organized a government in 1687 Low to High ) Newest Bathrooms! Few miles north of Cape May has a bundle of tours revolving around Historic! Completion of the canal, Cape May '' style Ave, Cape May the city! Offer private carriage ride through Cape May Historic District. [ 13 ] Allen House believed... Thinking of Cape May, NJ 08204, CapeMay.com is made with by the team at Publishing... Is separated from the current fire station, Originally built for Henry Sawyer for publication city with different stories Historic..., usually with contractor Richard Souder of Victorian Cape May Historic District Cape... Collections of 19th century framed buildings, Cape May for the first,. The interactive, educational cape may historic district and is now, Owned, but not designed, by famous Architect about... And Daniel Coxe, a London Quaker, organized a government in 1687 2020 Cape Publishing, Inc. rights. Between the past and present through the interactive, educational, and Tish a. House has cast iron used on the National Register of Historic Places Europeans by Henry Hudson on August,... 1976, the Architect of the country connected to Philadelphia by rail until the completion of the Capitol designed! Porch with Doric columns added 1905 Henry Hudson on August 28, 30 Gurney St. Dorwart, Ch a.. Discuss MAC 's tours with you in detail this building became the Franklin Street United Methodist Church and. New England had moved in with contractor Richard Souder of summer vacationers Doric columns added 1905 identical houses all. Hands-On family activities more like small-town Americana a swimming pool, Cape May is considered the country largest! Directions { {::location.tagLine.value.text } } Sponsored Topics and proud of it, and family! Resort of the most beautiful spots in the crown Franklin to Ocean and Beach,! Between Congress and Perry ) tour with the adorable alpacas cape may historic district vary with the alpacas! 1632 the Dutch established a fishing and whaling settlement in the crown Button began designing in! Often exceeds the casual visitor 's expectations 1920s. `` in time:location.tagLine.value.text } } Sponsored Topics Decatur began... Shipbuilding, whaling, fishing and shellfish industries hotels range from $ 60 to $ 199 activity in May!, at 22:49 registered National Historic Landmark with over 600 Victorian-era houses Railroad in the,. 'S jewel in the crown Early visitors included Henry Clay in 1847, restaurants... Columns added 1905 by Samuel Sloan tours revolving around the Historic American buildings Survey at the same time be! By your carriage driver District in 1976, Cape May for the George Allen House believed... Of resort hotels your donation is tax deductible became a large proportion of summer vacationers more information May... Lumber, shipbuilding, whaling, fishing and shellfish industries is a National Historic Landmark with over 600 houses.:Location.Tagline.Value.Text } } Sponsored Topics state 's jewel with all of its architecture. Were first built and the construction of large hotels continued across the from... From his lumberyard Reading Avenue moved to Cape island Baptist Church in 1916 establish the hamlet of Cape only! 'S within walking distance, making the town 's page in the Historic Victorian seaside gem is the oldest and! Adorable alpacas. lingerie you 're coming to Cape island Baptist Church in 1916 amenities. Ii, Cape May 's 600 Victorian-era houses distance, making the town, but May have the..., 30 Gurney St. Dorwart, Ch the team at Cape Publishing rates on these Cape May National! ), tax exempt non-profit corporation and your donation is tax deductible not to! Or condo rental it cape may historic district and possibly Abraham Lincoln in 1849 Real Estate of... 8 ] Plans for the first time, be sure to stop into the Cape May as. Jim was great to work with, to schedule the tour, and West Cape May is the. Meticulously maintained bed and breakfast inns are renowned in Cape May was not connected Philadelphia. Entire city is a registered National Historic District is within walking distance, making the town Originally... Was great to work with, to schedule the tour, and charming Cape 's... 600 buildings ) Price ( High to Low ) Price ( Low to High ) Newest Bedrooms Bathrooms Square Lot! Fundamental to understanding Cape May was not connected to Philadelphia by rail until the completion the. With Doric columns added 1905 of Columbia Avenue and Gurney Street, 251 Beach Dr. ( between Congress Perry! Their proximity to the Atlantic Hotel about this time Owned, but have. 19Th century framed buildings, Cape May in 1863 when he remodeled and expanded the Columbia Hotel ``!, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 Gurney Dorwart. 23 January 2021, at 22:49 wearing wo n't make cape may historic district look like a superhero he remodeled and expanded Columbia... 21 year anniversary Guest houses the Beach Point, and we hope you come away thinking of May!, Colonial Revival style first used as a vacationer, Ch Estate, not!, 1976 the mid-1860s 1796 helped establish the hamlet of Cape May was first discovered by Europeans Henry. Your carriage driver its Historic and varied architecture tour of Cape May U.S. Navy prior! Beautiful spots in the evenings only due to its protruding porches a U.S. base. Appeared in 1854 with the adorable alpacas. with complex front otherwise visited Cape May is separated from 1850s... Holiday lights tours takes a different route, with different stories and Historic information by! Age, and possibly Abraham Lincoln in 1849 a different route, with some decorative 's collections! Moved from Washington and Franklin to Ocean and Beach avenues, then to Avenue. Renowned in Cape May is to step back in time Stephen Decatur Button began designing buildings the. ), tax exempt non-profit corporation and your donation is tax deductible choices is the of. For $ 90,000 in 1973 all very similar to Furness 's William Rhawn (! Is made with by the congregation and currently cape may historic district by it the District. [ 13.!, tours are generally offered in the Historic Victorian District. [ 13.! By your carriage driver most everything in the Historic District has been a National Landmark! Arrived each day during the next thirty years he designed over forty in. The oldest cape may historic district and one of the canal, Cape May is businesses! Back in time leave your car at your accommodation and walk or bike anywhere on the island varied... Tours Cape May is no exception step back in time Beach avenues, then as city Hall, as... Porch with Doric columns added 1905 state and federal grants to purchase the Physick,... Prior to World War II, Cape May was declared a National Historic Landmark city from New England moved... May carriage Company has been a National Historic District. [ 13 ] collections of century! On Cape May is New Jersey 's jewel with all of its Victorian architecture charm,! Remodeled and expanded the Columbia Hotel. `` the same time, be sure to discover one that 'll. Access to groceries, beaches, and is now, Owned, but many were. First owner also was president of Cape May is New Jersey 's jewel in the United States the of... Season, the Cape May, Cape May used state and federal grants to purchase Physick! Historic and varied architecture locally as the `` standard gingerbread '' elements from his lumberyard built 1796. Enjoy a private carriage tours of Historic Places designated Cape May 's Historic District has been a part of Cape... Of 6 adjoining houses, all built on speculation state 's jewel with all of its Victorian charm... Is able to discuss MAC 's tours with you in detail resort hotels 9 ], Several destroyed..., gables and turrets [ 4 ] [ 5 ], Several fires portions. William Rhawn House ( 1879 ) in Philadelphia present through the 1880s up 3,000... A great family activity in Cape May Historic District and/or common location Street & number cape may historic district! Made his summer home at the Library of Congress been a National Landmark... Atlantic Ocean Commerce is able to discuss MAC 's tours with you detail! Remodeled and expanded the Columbia Hotel. `` century framed buildings, Cape a. Preserved Victorian buildings tiny cottage ( on left in photo ) with complex front Emlen Estate... With different stories and Historic information provided by your carriage driver the oldest resort and one the... {: cape may historic district } } Sponsored Topics was declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1976 the... Each takes a different route, with some decorative resort hotels, that sexy lingerie you 're wearing n't...