Cape May isn’t just about stunning beaches, Victorian charm, and epic sunsets—it’s also home to a captivating maritime history that’s as deep and mysterious as the waters off its coast. Beneath the waves and along the shoreline lie centuries of nautical tales, from daring sea captains to legendary shipwrecks.
A Seafaring Legacy
For over 300 years, Cape May has been a beacon for sailors navigating the treacherous Delaware Bay and Atlantic waters. Early settlers and whalers relied on these waterways for trade, fishing, and survival. But the same waters that brought prosperity also claimed countless ships—earning the region a reputation as part of the infamous “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”
The Ghostly Shipwrecks
Shipwrecks are the crown jewels of Cape May’s maritime lore. One of the most famous is the SS Atlantus, a concrete ship built during World War I that ran aground off Sunset Beach in 1926. Today, its rusting remains rise hauntingly from the waves, especially dramatic at low tide or in stormy weather. Divers and history buffs are also fascinated by lesser-known wrecks like the Jacob Jones. Many lie hidden beneath the bay, offering glimpses into centuries-old mysteries.
Maritime Museums & Exhibits
If you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, the Cape May Lighthouse and the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum bring maritime history to life. The lighthouse, standing since 1859, still guides ships today. Its panoramic views are worth every step of the climb. The museum, housed in a World War II hangar, tells the story of the region’s role in wartime defense, complete with restored aircraft and fascinating artifacts.
A Stay at Southern Mansion
Our historic mansion, built circa 1860, is set on one-and-a-half acres of award-winning landscapes in Cape May’s historic district. Our 40,000-sq.ft. Italianate villa-style mansion stands out as an antique home, fitting in perfectly with the other colorful houses of Cape May!
Stay with us and book a cozy room and enjoy decadent furnishings, plush linens, towels, and antique finishings that set the Southern Mansion apart from any other bed and breakfast in the area. Book your stay with us today.
