Most People Don’t Know This Resort Island Existed In New Jersey Once Upon A Time

New Jersey's own Atlantis, this island paradise can only be found on older maps - it has since been wiped out of existence. The map above is from 1856. Located just south of Long Beach Island, at the mouth of the Little Egg Harbor Bay, Short Beach was once around 8 miles long. First settled in the 1740s, by 1925 it was just a half-mile strip of sand. This sad tale shows the full power of the ocean, tides, and time.

First settled by a man named Ephraim Morse, the island was originally used to graze cattle. In 1765, the land was purchased by Reuben Tucker. He built his home and lodge at the highest point on the island, about five hundred feet from the shore. Philadelphia-area bird hunters and fishermen flocked to the island, ideal for both activities - it became a popular sportsman's getaway. A hospitable host, word of the inn spread and the island also became a destination for Philadelphia Quakers who held camp meetings on the property for several summers after the Revolution. The resort thrived until 1845, when tragedy struck.

The resort was not rebuilt and a lighthouse went up in its place. In service until 1857, the light was extinguished when Absecon Light was built. Ten years later, the light was turned back on. By 1879, a new keeper's house had been built along with several homes, inns, a school and a life saving station. Resort life was thriving once again. Until...

Sands shifted and the island became connected to Long Beach Island. Short Beach Island/Tucker's Island could not compete with the popularity of Beach Haven. The islands were separate once again following a dreadful 1920 storm but popularity was already dwindling. In addition, the storm damaged many structures on the island. By 1927, the lighthouse was one of the only buildings left behind. Decommissioned that year, a few weeks later, it was engulfed by the ocean. However, you can still see the lighthouse! A beautiful reproduction can be found at Tuckerton Seaport.