South Cape May, New Jersey facts for kids
South Cape May was a small town, called a borough, in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It existed from 1894 to 1945. People first started living there around 1840. This unique town even had a giant elephant-shaped building, like the famous Lucy the Elephant, which was called Light of Asia.
How South Cape May Became a Town
South Cape May officially became its own town on August 27, 1894. Before that, it was part of a larger area called Lower Township. The people living there voted to become a separate borough in a special election, called a referendum, just six days before it was made official. This vote allowed them to have their own local government.
The Big Storm and What Happened Next
In September 1944, a very powerful storm called the 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane hit South Cape May. The hurricane caused a lot of damage to the town. Many buildings were destroyed or badly damaged.
Because of the severe damage from the storm, the town could no longer continue as a separate borough. So, on April 30, 1945, South Cape May was officially dissolved. This meant it stopped being its own town and became part of Lower Township again.
A Home for Birds
Today, much of the land where South Cape May once stood is no longer developed. The areas that were not covered by water after the hurricane are now part of a special place for birds. This area is known as the South Cape May Meadows Preserve. It is a protected bird sanctuary where many different kinds of birds can live safely.
