Secession at the Shore: The Forgotten Push to Split New Jersey

Issue #491

October 21, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🏛️ Secession at the Shore: The Forgotten Push to Split New Jersey

☄️ How to Spot Two Rare Comets and a Meteor Shower This Week

🏗️ Beach Erosion Worsens Across Jersey Shore Following Nor’easter

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

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

 October 21

Have an Upcoming Event?

Secession at the Shore: The Forgotten Push to Split New Jersey

Back in 1980, a surprising chapter unfolded in New Jersey’s political history—one where South Jersey attempted to carve out its own identity as a separate state. On Election Day that year, six southern counties took to the polls to vote on a non-binding referendum proposing the creation of a 51st state—South Jersey. Of the six counties, five voted in favor: Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem. Only Ocean County opposed the idea. It was less about actually forming a new state and more about sending a message—South Jersey residents felt underrepresented in statewide decision-making. Supporters of the movement often cited lifestyle and cultural differences as key motivators. North and South Jersey have long exhibited rival identities—from loyalties to different sports teams and regional foods to differences in pace of life and economic development.

  

How to Spot Two Rare Comets and a Meteor Shower This Week 

 Skywatchers are in for a celestial treat this week as two rare green comets make their closest approach to Earth, offering a fleeting chance to spot them with binoculars—or possibly even the naked eye—under dark, moonless skies. The cosmic duo, Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2), were at their brightest on last night and early this morning, but will continue to have viewing opportunities continuing through the end of the month. Both are visible from the Northern Hemisphere, with optimal viewing times coming around 90 minutes after sunset or just before dawn. Comet visibility can be unpredictable—both comets may brighten or fade without warning. If conditions aren’t ideal one night, try again on the surrounding evenings. With some luck and a clear horizon, this rare double feature could make for an unforgettable autumn night under the stars.

Beach Erosion Worsens Across Jersey Shore Following Nor’easter

A powerful coastal storm over Columbus Day weekend has left parts of the South Jersey shoreline battered, with state officials reporting moderate to major beach and dune erosion from Monmouth to Cape May counties. The nor’easter, which struck October 12–13, followed a series of earlier storms this fall—including offshore hurricanes Erin, Imelda, and Humberto—that had already weakened beach defenses along the Jersey Shore. Combined, the storms have stripped sand from beaches, damaged protective dunes, and exposed infrastructure typically shielded by the shoreline. In some of the hardest-hit areas—Ocean City, Brigantine, and Atlantic City—waves carved steep, cliff-like drop-offs in the dunes, a process known as “scarping.” These vertical cuts were reported at heights of more than 5 feet, and in some locations, such as Strathmere and Avalon, dune scarping exceeded 10 feet. Ocean City saw significant erosion between First and 11th streets, with waves surging beneath the Boardwalk near Fifth and Sixth streets. Atlantic City’s north end, especially the area around Garden Pier on New Jersey Avenue, also suffered severe damage. Brigantine and North Wildwood faced similar issues, with multiple dune crossovers impacted. The DEP’s findings underscore the growing vulnerability of New Jersey’s coastal communities, especially after repeated storm events in a single season. With dune systems compromised and storm patterns becoming more frequent, officials say long-term resiliency efforts remain a critical focus for the region’s future.  

Which famous abolitionist is associated with Cape May, New Jersey, due to her summer visits?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Answer to the October 19th Trivia Question

Cape May, New Jersey, has a rich history and is known for its distinctive landmarks. Which of the following statements about Cape May is true?

A) The Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1901.

B) Cape May was a significant site for glass manufacturing in the early 1900s.

 C) The Emlen Physick Estate was demolished in 1995.

D) Cape May's boardwalk was destroyed by a hurricane in 1985.

Answer: B) Cape May was a significant site for glass manufacturing in the early 1900s.

Cape May County had a flourishing glass manufacturing industry in the early 1900s, producing various glass items, including specialty bottles. This industry was a crucial part of the local economy​.​

How Did We Do In This Issue?

Cape May Local Scoop Wants To Know Your Thoughts About Our Newsletter...

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.