Cape May’s Ghost Tracks Emerge Again After Coastal Storms

Issue #407

July 28, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

‍⛈️ Cape May’s Ghost Tracks Emerge Again After Coastal Storms

🏖️ Jersey Shore Beaches Cleared for Swimming as Water Tests Improve

 🦈83-Year-Old Woman Among Family Sentenced for Child Endangerment in Cape May

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 July 28

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Cape May’s Ghost Tracks Emerge Again After Coastal Storms

 Known locally as the “Ghost Tracks,” a section of long-buried railroad rails made a rare reappearance along the shoreline between Sunset Beach and Higbee Beach, captivating beachgoers with a glimpse into the past. The narrow-gauge tracks, which date back to 1905, were originally part of a spur connected to the Cape May Point branch of the Atlantic City Royal Route. Though they never carried passengers, these rails once played a key role in the operations of the Cape May Sand Company. In the early 20th century, the company used cranes to scoop sand from the beach and load it into boxcars on the tracks. A small locomotive hauled the sand, which was shipped for use in glassmaking and construction projects. That ended in 1936 when local officials halted the sand shipping operation to prevent erosion of nearby bathing beaches. Since then, the area has been abandoned, and natural forces have slowly reclaimed it. Now visible once again, these relics of the past continue to intrigue locals and visitors alike. Recent storms have uncovered the ghost tracks at Cape May’s Higbee Beach, revealing part of a historic rail line once used for sand mining and military testing. Visible only at low tide, the tracks may soon be reburied by natural forces, offering a brief window into the region’s early 20th-century past.

Jersey Shore Beaches Cleared for Swimming as Water Tests Improve

Swimming advisories for several New Jersey beaches were lifted after tests confirmed water quality returned to safe levels. Several Jersey Shore beaches had been closed or placed under advisories due to elevated bacteria levels. Some of the beaches affected include those in Keyport, Highlands, Sandy Hook, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, and Sea Isle City. The advisories were issued due to the presence of Enterococcus bacteria, but no beaches were closed. Enterococcus bacteria, which can be introduced into the water via runoff and stormwater drains, serves as an indicator of potential contamination. In high concentrations, it can lead to health issues such as skin rashes, urinary tract infections, or gastrointestinal discomfort. However, medical experts emphasized that the risk remains low for most healthy individuals, especially after brief exposure. Officials continue to monitor water quality as part of routine safety procedures, especially during peak summer beach weeks. No closures were enforced, and beaches remain open to the public. Beachgoers are encouraged to check local advisories and water quality reports before heading to the shore and to remain aware of updates during their visits.

83-Year-Old Woman Among Family Sentenced for Child Endangerment in Cape May

 Multiple members of a Cape May County family have been sentenced in connection with a years-long child endangerment and abuse case. Carol Allen, 83, and her son, Willis Allen Jr., are serving prison terms, while another son and a woman involved received lesser penalties. The abuse took place on the family’s former blueberry farm and came to light after a jailhouse confession revealed the extent of the crimes. The case dates back over two decades and includes allegations of repeated cover-ups and a culture of silence within the family.  

Which notable Cape May building served as a hospital during World War I and was later used by the Navy and Coast Guard?

Which notable Cape May building served as a hospital during World War I and was later used by the Navy and Coast Guard?

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Answer to the July 27th Trivia Question

Which major event in 1962 significantly impacted Cape May's infrastructure, leading to the construction of a seawall and new promenade?

A) The Great Atlantic Hurricane
B) The March Nor’easter
C) The 1878 fire
D) World War II bombings

Answer: B) The March Nor’easter

The March Nor’easter, also known as the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962, caused extensive damage to Cape May, including the destruction of its boardwalk and beachfront properties. This event led to significant reconstruction efforts, including the building of a seawall and a new promenade.

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