Recognizing the Historical Significance of the Highland Beach Resort - Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr of New Jersey in the House of Representatives

On January 21, 2025, the Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr representing the 6th district of New Jersey entered the following into the Congressional Record:

“Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the historical significance of the Highland Beach Resort in Sandy Hook, New Jersey which was once the birthplace of Northern Jersey Shore tourism. From 1888 through 1962, this historic location was be­ loved for its beautiful views and beachside amenities. This destination was a trailblazer for people to begin traveling by rail, excursion trains, steamboats, and automobiles. I would also like to applaud the Jersey Coast Heritage Museum for preserving this history.

In a groundbreaking way, the Highland Beach Resort flourished with thousands of tourists every summer, and was home to four- towered carousels, arcades, and one of the first roller coasters in the country. Highland Beach Resort’s “great switchback railroad” rollercoaster was constructed in 1889 by High­land Beach Resort using an original design by Mr. Thompson, the same inventor of the Na­tion’s first carousel in 1876 and first roller coaster in 1884 nearby in Coney Island. It is truly honorable how this resort fostered inno­ vation and business models that developers all along the Jersey Shore would eventually follow.

Since 1893, William Sandlass has been de­noted as the legendary developer and entre­preneur who led the construction of the his­toric Highland Beach Resort. When the re­markable “great switchback railroad” rollercoaster was called to be dissembled, Mr. Sandlass repurposed the timbers into a two- story building to be used to expand the resort, eventually becoming a home for his family, and now in service to the National Park Serv­ice. When considering the rare architectural characteristics of the home, along with a trace to the history of American and New York Har­bor, it becomes clear that this nature-resilient 131-year-old house is truly historic.

The geographical history of this location also includes when explorer Giovanni de Verrazano first laid eyes on The Highlands of Navesink in 1525. Evidently, Mr. Sandlass’ home is the last remaining structure of the Jersey Shore’s start to tourism at the northern­ most point and will be remembered as a first-of-its-kind summer refuge for residents trav­eling for the first time since their immigration to the United States. Where some of the ear­liest citizens of the United States of America found comfort away from conditions of swel­tering hot temperatures and poor sanitary sys­tems of New York City. In many ways, this house symbolizes exploration, cultural herit­age, and appreciation of the Jersey Shore.

Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in honoring the late Mr. Sandlass, his landmark home from the Highland Beach Resort, and the members of the Jersey Coast Heritage Museum. Their efforts to preserve the history of the Northern Jersey Shore are truly deserv­ ing of this body’s recognition.”

To see the actual Congressional Record entry click the ‘Learn More’ button below.