Lucy the Elephant

Lucy the Elephant is a quirky piece of history nestled along the coast of Margate, just a stone's throw from Atlantic City. Crafted in 1881 by real estate developer James Lafferty, Lucy was initially a clever marketing ploy, designed to lure potential land buyers to the area. Over time, she became more than just a gimmick. A bustling hotel business sprang up around her, attracting presidents and royalty eager to stay at the neighboring Elephant Hotel and ascend the stairs to Lucy's howdah.

Lucy's story is one of resilience. She's weathered fierce hurricanes, ocean floods, and even a fire ignited by some overly merry revelers during her time as a tavern. Yet, by the 1960s, it was clear that Lucy was facing a new threat: neglect. The once-proud icon of the South Jersey coast was falling into disrepair. In 1970, a developer bought the land where Lucy stood, planning to erect a condominium. The beach and the ocean could remain, but Lucy was slated for demolition.

Enter the Save Lucy Committee. This determined group of locals rallied to save their beloved elephant. In just weeks, they raised enough funds to relocate Lucy two blocks away to a city-owned plot. Fast forward thirty years and over 1.5 million dollars later, and Lucy was restored to her original glory, both inside and out. In 1976, she was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, celebrated as the oldest surviving example of zoomorphic architecture and the oldest roadside attraction in the United States. Today, Lucy stands proudly as the most beloved non-gaming attraction in the Atlantic City area. She's not just a local treasure; she's known worldwide as "The World's Largest Elephant." Her presence has brought fame to Margate City, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. If you find yourself in the area, don't miss the chance to meet Lucy and soak in a bit of whimsical history.