Cape May’s impressive collection of Victorian homes draws in visitors from all over the world. They are a part of what makes a trip to Cape May so special and what helped to put the seaside town on the map as a National Historic Landmark. Read further to learn more about the history of Victorian Cape May with a peek into its past.
What is the Victorian style?
Victorian style can be recognized by the use of round angles, towers, turrets, decorative woodwork (gingerbread trim), stained glass, bright colors, bay windows, and steep gabled roofs. The variance in style included what they called Gothic Revival, Italiante, Second Empire, Stick-Eastlake, Fold Victorian, and Queen Anne. From the inside, Victorian homes were typically two or three stories, featured high ceilings, parlors, ornate staircases, and intricate wood trim.
Cape May as a summer resort destination
Coined as America’s first seaside resort, Cape May became the country’s summer resort destination because of its easy transport by water from Philadelphia to the Atlantic Ocean. Early visitors of Cape May included Henry Clay, Ulysses Grant, and possibly Abraham Lincoln in 1849.
Cape May Fire of 1878
The fire of 1878 destroyed roughly half the town, with many of the buildings quickly rebuilt. It knocked out about 30 blocks and some of the town’s major resorts, such as the original Congress Hall. The town made the swift decision to rebuild with mostly new buildings that were built in the modern style of the day – known as the Victorian Era.
The Victorian Era
With this rush to rebuild, there was now a large concentration of Victorian style homes that ranged from Gothic Revival to Queen Anne designs. The structures were often single-family homes, with most turning into hotels and bed and breakfasts because they were hard to maintain as the years moved on.
There was a push to tear down these homes and make way for newer constructions. The complete destruction of these beautiful Victorian homes was saved by the town’s recognition as a National Historic Landmark.
Cape May historic district
The Cape May Historic District spans 380 acres with over 600 buildings in the resort town. The district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and listed as a National Historic Landmark District in 1976. Below are a few of the structures that make up the National Historic Landmark District, some of which are said to be haunted.
- Atlantic Terrace houses – Jackson Street
- Julius Baily House – 907 Stockton Avenue
- Berin’s Cottage – 5 Perry Street
- George Boyd House – 1501 Beach Avenue
- Charles Burns House – Beach Avenue
- Christopher Gallagher House – 45 Jackson Street
One of the more notable Victorian homes in Cape May is the George Allen House, otherwise known as the Southern Mansion. The Southern Mansion, named as “one of the state’s most impressive 19th-century seaside structures,” currently operates as a charming bed and breakfast in the heart of Cape May. The historic mansion was built in 1860 with elegant Italianate details and beautiful gardens.
When planning your Cape May vacation, discover the elegant and opulent rooms at the Southern Mansion. Each distinctly decorated with Victorian details and antique furnishings, a stay here is truly unique. Discover more about the history of Victorian Cape May with a stay at the Southern Mansion!
