Absecon, New Jersey is a city in Atlantic County. As of the United States 2000 Census, the city population was 7,638. The community name derives from a local Native American term variously translated as little stream” or “plenty (or place) of swans”
Absecon’s interesting historic past dates back before 1716, when Kings Highway was constructed along an Indian trail now known as Shore Road.
Before 1774, the community now called Absecum was a small village in Gloucester County, inland of Absecum Beach, in the Province of West New Jersey. This was before Galloway was created by King George III in 1774, before the United States of America declared its independence in 1776, before Atlantic County was created with the help of our Dr. Pitney in 1837 and before the Town of Absecom separated from Galloway in 1872.
What is now the City of Absecon was originally incorporated as a town by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 29, 1872, from portions of Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township. The City of Absecon was incorporated on March 24, 1902, replacing Absecon town.
Today, conveniently situated between Atlantic City and the Atlantic City International Airport, Absecon draws visitors to the world-famous Atlantic City boardwalk and casinos. The nearby Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge, encompassing over 43,000 acres, is home to unique habitats, regional wildlife and bird species. Over 80 percent of the refuge is covered by tidal salt meadows and marshland that are interspersed with shallow coves and bays, making it an important refuge for water birds and plant species. Absecon also makes a convenient home base when exploring the Greater Atlantic City region, which boasts numerous golf courses, parks and coastal activities in addition to the nightlife along the oceanfront.
Notable current and former residents of Absecon include Phil Ivey, professional poker player, Brian Joo of Fly to the Sky, U.S-born South Korean pop singer/entertainer and political commentator and columnist Michelle Malkin.