The history of Ocean City and the Life-Saving Station.

Ocean City, Maryland has a rich history that dates back centuries. Originally inhabited by the Assateague and Pocomoke Native American tribes, European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century. At that time, the area was primarily used for hunting and fishing.

The town of Ocean City was officially established in 1875, when a group of businessmen purchased the land and decided to develop it as a resort destination. The first hotel, the Atlantic Hotel, was built in 1875 and attracted visitors from nearby cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ocean City experienced a boom in tourism. The construction of a railroad in 1878 made it easier for people to reach the town, and the beach and boardwalk became popular attractions. The town continued to grow and attract visitors, with new hotels, amusement parks, and attractions being added over the years.

One significant aspect of Ocean City's history is its life-saving station. The U.S. Life-Saving Service, a precursor to the Coast Guard, established a station in Ocean City in 1878. The purpose of the life-saving stations was to rescue sailors and passengers from shipwrecks along the coast. The Ocean City station was manned by a dedicated crew of surfers who risked their lives to save others.

Over the years, the life-saving station in Ocean City has gone through several changes and upgrades. In 1915, a new station building known as the "Little Red House" was constructed. This building served as a lookout and living quarters for the crew. In 1964, the U.S. Coast Guard took over the life-saving operations, and the station eventually became a museum.

Today, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum stands as a tribute to the brave men who served there. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, learn about shipwrecks and rescues along the coast, and discover the unique maritime heritage of Ocean City.

The life-saving station and its museum are not only a testament to Ocean City's history but also serve as a reminder of the town's ongoing commitment to water safety and preserving its maritime legacy.

If you follow our Instagram account, you'll see a field trip that one of our team members and her family went on. The kids found it fascinating, there is so much to learn and see. It's definitely worth a visit if you’re in Ocean City and looking for something to do. Be sure to follow us on social media so that you can see more awesome and interesting places around our beautiful coastline.

You can visit their website: https://www.ocmuseum.org/