Lucy the Margate Elephant

Lucy was built in 1881 by real estate developer James V. Lafferty. He had high hopes that she would be an attraction that would lure prospective buyers to his ocean-front lots. Unfortunately, that did not happen and Lucy was sold in 1887 to the Gertzen family, with who she remained for the next 83 years.

Lucy stands 65 feet tall and weighs about 90 tons. She has managed to survive many adverse conditions: a 1903 hurricane nearly destroyed Lucy and moved her 100 feet inland. A few years later, a fire nearly destroyed her. In 1929 her howdah (a riding cage) was lost in another storm, yet today, Lucy still stands tall and proud.

Lucy was an active tourist attraction until 1970, when she was donated to the city and moved to her current location. In 1977 Lucy was designated a National historic Landmark. The "Save the Lucy Committee" raised he funds necessary to restore her and today she attracts over 15,000 visitors a year.

You can find photos and memorabilia inside Lucy and even take a trip up to her howdah and enjoy a beautiful view of Atlantic City.

Lucy can be visited during these hours: Mid-June through Labor Day: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. April, May, Early June, September & October - weekends only, 10 am to 5 pm.

Lucy closes for the winter except for Thanksgiving, Christmas season and President's Weekend.