Corson Inlet facts for kids
Corson Inlet is a narrow waterway, like a small channel, located on the southern coast of New Jersey in the United States. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the calmer waters behind the barrier islands along the coast of Cape May County. This inlet acts as a natural border, separating the towns of Ocean City, New Jersey and Strathmere, New Jersey.
The United States Navy once had a ship named after this inlet. It was called the USS Corson. This ship was a special kind of vessel called a seaplane tender, which helped support seaplanes. It was in service during two periods: from 1944 to 1946 and again from 1951 to 1956.
Right next to the strait is Corson's Inlet State Park, a protected natural area. The inlet and its sandy dunes were a favorite spot for the American poet, A.R. Ammons. He even wrote one of his most famous poems, "Corsons Inlet," about this beautiful place.
What is Corson Inlet?
Corson Inlet is a natural passage that divides two important land areas: Pecks Beach and Ludlam Island, both located in Cape May County.
Long ago, people described Corson Inlet in different ways:
- In 1834, it was called a "passage of the sea." It connected the ocean to the lagoons and marshes of Upper Township, Cape May County. At that time, it was about half a mile wide.
- In 1878, it was noted that Corson Inlet connected Corson's Sound and Ludlam's Bay with the ocean. It was still more than half a mile wide. Back then, even small ships could sail through it, as it had about seven feet of water over its sandbar.
A Glimpse into History
Corson Inlet has been known by different names throughout history. On a map from around the year 1700, it appeared as Bottle Inlet. Later, on a map published in 1749 by Lewis Evans, it was shown as "Coston's Inlet."
