For a Great Vacation, Go by Train!

Railroads, Tourism, and Commuters at the Jersey Shore

Abstract

Nestled halfway between two of America's most important cities, the Jersey Shore seems perfectly positioned to be a vacation destination. What was once desolate beachfront did not become a vacationing mecca overnight. Railroads were the defining factor in creating and shaping the development of the Shore as a center for everything from day trips to whole summer vacations. As the winds of technology changed, the passenger-centric Jersey Shore railroads were able to turn into the breeze and refocus to commuters, redefining themselves and the Jersey Shore as a whole. This work explores railroads and their effects on Jersey Shore, especially vacationing and commuting, focusing through the lens of railroad-publications like timetables and advertisements. This work is delivered in expanded form to historical societies along the Jersey Shore.