The Lost Cape May Race Track: A Forgotten Piece of History

The Lost Cape May Race Track: A Forgotten Piece of History

In the 1800s, one sport captivated Americans like no other—it wasn’t baseball, which was just gaining traction, but horse racing.

The Lost Cape May Race Track

Throughout New Jersey, horse racing tracks flourished along the coast. What many may not know is that Cape May was once home to its own vibrant race track. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating history of the lost Cape May Race Track.

Horses have played a crucial role in Cape May’s story from the very beginning. When Captain Cornelius Mey first explored the area in 1621, he found horses already present, brought there by the Lenape people who lived and worked the land.

As Cape May evolved from Cape Island Borough to Cape Island City, and eventually to Cape May, horses remained central to daily life—used for transportation, farming, and even shipping.

The Forgotten Towns and the Rise of a Race Track

Around Cape May, several smaller towns once existed, though they no longer appear on today’s maps. Two of these long-lost towns were Eldredge and South Cape May, both located in what is now West Cape May. These areas faced significant hardship, shaping the history of the Cape May Race Track.

One notable landmark near these towns was the Mt. Vernon Hotel. Built in 1853, it was once considered the largest hotel in the world, boasting 432 rooms and capable of hosting 2,100 guests. The hotel, which cost $125,000 to construct (equivalent to about $4.5 million today), was a popular pre-Civil War vacation spot.

However, tragedy struck on September 5, 1856, when the hotel burned down in a devastating fire, suspected to be arson. With no insurance to cover the loss, the owners were unable to rebuild, leaving the land abandoned for years.

In 1882, the Neptune Land Company was formed to redevelop the area. Theodore Reger, Thomas Williamson, and Albert Little joined forces to create a new attraction that would draw visitors to the region.

Also See: The Cape May Restaurant That Sits On A Sunken Ship

The Birth of the Cape May Driving Park

With plenty of available land, the developers decided to build a racetrack. They founded the West Cape May Improvement Company and set aside 80 acres—encompassing today’s Columbia Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Sunset Boulevard, and Stevens Street—to create what became known as the “Cape May Driving Park Company.”

The track itself was an impressive oval design, with seating for 3,000 spectators and a picturesque lake with a fountain at its center. In addition to the racetrack, the area also included cricket and baseball fields, adding to its appeal as a recreational hub.

On July 28, 1888, the Cape May Driving Park officially opened. The New York Times praised the event, reporting, “The inaugural running races of the Cape May Driving Park Association were run this afternoon. The weather was all that could be desired.” Over 3,000 people attended that first day of races.

By early August, the track had become so popular that the Pennsylvania Railroad introduced a special service between Philadelphia and Cape May on race days. There were even discussions of extending the Cape May city rail line directly to the racetrack.

The Fall of the Cape May Driving Park

Despite its promising start, the Cape May Driving Park struggled to maintain its success. By the following year, attendance had dwindled, with only 300 spectators filling the grandstand. The New York Times dubbed the season “dull,” signaling the decline of the once-thriving race track.

Without the anticipated rail extension, the Cape May Driving Park gradually lost momentum. Attendance continued to drop, and the track eventually faded into obscurity.

What Happened to the Track?

If the Cape May Driving Park was so popular, why did it disappear? Where exactly was it located, and what remains of it today?

In the video below, we explore the lost Cape May Driving Park, tracing its history and uncovering its final resting place.

Before you watch, please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel