History

Until 1980, the town gates were closed with chains from midnight Saturday until midnight Sunday. No wheeled vehicles of any kind were permitted in view on the Sabbath. That year the courts ruled that a conflict between church and state existed and the gates must remain open.

Ocean Grove is designated as a National Historic District and claims the largest aggregate of Victoriana in the country. It is a fine example of a 19th century planned urban community. The town was laid out so that buildings nearest the ocean were built farther back from the street. This created a "funnel" to capture sea breezes and channel them westward. This clever plan also allowed most porches along the street to enjoy an ocean view. Virtually all the historic buildings were built prior to the turn of the century. Many structures are still in use and can be seen by visitors.