Venue Information

The Claridge Hotel and Brighton Park hold a rich and significant place in American history. The property is centrally situated on arguably the most desirable plot of land in Atlantic City. In the late 1700’s the founder of Atlantic City, Jeremiah Leeds, built his family settlement on this plot of land. Atlantic City remained basically farmland owned by the Leeds’ family until Dr. Pitney moved his medical practice to the island in the early 1800’s. Renowned for its healing properties, Atlantic City enjoyed an explosion in popularity over the next hundred years. By the early 1900’s two railroads were bringing visitors to the famed city by the sea. The northern track dropped passengers off at Tennessee Avenue and the southern track brought its passengers to Arkansas Avenue. Between these stations the original hotels formed the much-desired strand, which gave Atlantic City is reputation as the “playground of the gilded age”.