Absecon began as a small settlement along the waterways and early roads of what was then Galloway Township. Shore Road, originally known as the King’s Highway, was built through the area in 1716. By 1774, the community was identified as the Village of Absecon. New Jersey Avenue began as a road to Robert Doughty’s mill in 1800, Church Street developed from the road to Samuel Cooper’s ferry in 1821, and Pitney Road was built in 1833.
Dr. Jonathan Pitney arrived in Absecon in 1820 and became one of the most important figures in the region’s development. He promoted the idea of establishing a health resort on nearby Absecon Island and helped organize the railroad that eventually connected Camden with Atlantic City. Absecon Island is where Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Longport are located. It is separate from the City of Absecon.
The Camden and Atlantic Railroad reached Absecon in 1854. On July 1 of that year, its first passenger train carried approximately 600 people from Camden to Absecon. Passengers then crossed Absecon Bay by ferry to reach the developing resort on Absecon Island. Regular service began on July 4, 1854. After a railroad bridge was completed in 1855, trains could travel directly to Atlantic City while continuing to stop in Absecon. The railroad encouraged population growth and helped establish Absecon as an important transportation center.
Absecon was officially incorporated as a town on February 29, 1872, using land taken from portions of Galloway and Egg Harbor townships. On March 24, 1902, the town was replaced by the City of Absecon. At that time, the city had a population of approximately 600 residents.
During the 20th century, Absecon continued to develop as a residential and commercial community. The First National Bank of Absecon opened in 1916, the Absecon Library was organized in 1924, and Absecon Boulevard was constructed through the area during the 1920s. Between 1935 and 1940, the railroad tracks through the city were elevated to improve public safety. The present municipal complex on Mill Road was dedicated in 1988.
Many reminders of Absecon’s history remain today. Historic properties include the Dr. Jonathan Pitney House, Captain Francis Babcock House, John Doughty House, Absecon Presbyterian Church, United Methodist Church, Odd Fellows Hall and Howlett Hall Museum. Portions of North and South Shore Road have also been recognized as historic districts, with approximately 167 buildings included in the local historic inventory.
The City of Absecon should not be confused with Absecon Island or the Absecon Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located in Atlantic City, not within the City of Absecon.