Long Beach Island is an 18mile long barrier island along the central coast of New Jersey. Originally called Long Beach by the early settlers, it gained the title from its sprawling coastline and long stretches of white sand beach.

In the 1700s, whalers used the area for their whaling operations, and farmers grazed their cattle on Long Beach and nearby Tucker's Island, to the south. In the 1800s, local fishermen were building shanties on the island, making their living fishing, clamming, and raising oysters. They called themselves the Baymen.

In the early 1800s, shipwrecks had become so frequent off the coast of Barnegat Inlet, that a lighthouse was built in 1834. Replaced with a new one in 1859, "Old Barney" still stands today, the 2nd tallest lighthouse in the United States.

By 1850, visiting sportsmen were coming here to hunt and fish. Wealthy Philadelphians began building large beach houses in an area known as Beach Haven, along with elegant hotels like The Parry House and The Engleside. In 1886, a railroad trestle was built across the bay, carrying passengers to new destinations like, Peahala, Brant Beach, and Spray Beach. The tiny community of Ship Bottom became known as "The Gateway to Long Beach", when a bridge was built to the island in 1914.

In 1944, a powerful hurricane devastated the island, lifting hundreds of vacation cottages off of their foundations and carrying them away. The newly built Garden State Parkway linked LBI to Manahawkin in 1954, and in 1956 a newly constructed causeway began bringing even more visitors and homebuyers. In 1962, another powerful storm tore through the island, causing it to split apart in several places.

In 1985, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge opened at the south end of the island. Offering a totally relaxed atmosphere, LBI continues to be one of the most laidback familyfriendly resorts on the Jersey Shore.


Music Credits:
The Monk by the Sea – House by the Sea
Winter into Spring
Dexter Britain – The Truth
Kai Engel – Summer Days
The Monk by the Sea – Forest Song
Nicolai Heidlas – Free Background Music
The Monk by the Sea – Just Before the Rain
The Monk by the Sea – Train Station
Purple Planet – Soda Pop
Nicolai Heidlas Summer Day