Hospitality
An early inn
Local histories identify Isaac Coffin's small inn as an early accommodation for fishermen and visitors.
Source: Town of Ocean City1869–2025 / verified timeline
Built, opened,
moved, remembered.
Eleven moments that changed the shape and use of Ocean City. Each summary links to the Town or Museum Society source used.
Ordered chronologically · reduced-motion complete- 011869
- 021875
Founding
Ocean City incorporates
The Atlantic Hotel opens on July 4, and the growing settlement incorporates as Ocean City.
Source: Town of Ocean City - 031878
Rescue
Life-Saving Station opens
The first Ocean City station begins service on December 25 at Caroline Street.
Source: Ocean City Museum Society - 041891
Rescue
A larger station
The present 1882-type station building replaces the original facility.
Source: Ocean City Museum Society - 051900–1915
Boardwalk
Boards become a promenade
Early Boardwalk sections are built and seasonally removed for storage.
Source: Town of Ocean City - 061933
Storm
The present Inlet is cut
A four-day northeast storm opens a lasting channel and damages the railroad bridge.
Source: Town of Ocean City - 071934
Fishing
Sport fishing accelerates
The first white marlin recorded in the Town's history is caught offshore after direct ocean access opens.
Source: Town of Ocean City - 081964
Rescue
Coast Guard relocates
A new Coast Guard station near the Inlet is formally dedicated in June.
Source: Ocean City Museum Society - 091977–1978
Preservation
The old station is saved
Citizens organize to move the threatened building; it is dedicated as a museum a century after the first station opened.
Source: Ocean City Museum Society - 101994
Shoreline
A long-term protection program
State, county, and town partners accept maintenance of the completed storm-protection project.
Source: Town of Ocean City - 112025
Museum
Museum of Ocean City opens
The Museum Society opens a second public history space on May 1 while continuing the Life-Saving Station Museum.
Source: Ocean City Museum Society