Historic Cape May Photos Reveal Dramatic Changes Over 100 Years

Vintage images of the city's most famous buildings show how the seaside resort has evolved.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A new photo project compares over 100-year-old images of Cape May, New Jersey's historic hotels and buildings to their modern-day counterparts, revealing dramatic changes to the nation's oldest seaside resort over the past century.

Why it matters

Cape May is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and historic charm, so these then-and-now photos provide a unique window into how the city has transformed while also maintaining its classic seaside aesthetic.

The details

The photos, gathered primarily from the Library of Congress, show the evolution of iconic Cape May landmarks like the Colonial Hotel, the Lafayette Hotel, the Shoreham Hotel, and Congress Hall. For example, the Colonial Hotel went from a 60-room boarding house with a French roof and large porches to a modern hotel with a popular outdoor space. The Lafayette Hotel replaced the original early 20th century structure, while the Shoreham Hotel was later used as St. Mary's By the Sea before becoming the Cape May Point Science Center.

  • The historic photos date back over 100 years.
  • The modern-day photos were taken in the present day.

The players

Cape May

The nation's oldest seaside resort, known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and historic charm.

Library of Congress

The source of many of the historic photos used in the project.

Chelsea Masterson

The person who gathered the historic and modern-day photos for the project.

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What they’re saying

“I've been going to Cape May for decades, and I learned a few things through this process.”

— Eddie Davis, Author (wfpg.com)

The takeaway

These then-and-now photos of Cape May's most iconic buildings provide a fascinating look at how the historic seaside resort has evolved over the past century, while still maintaining its classic Victorian charm and appeal as a popular vacation destination.