Immortalized by the board game Monopoly more than 60 years ago, the resort town of Atlantic City has contributed more than its fair share to Americana. Home to the country's first boardwalk (1870), first big wheel (1869) and Miss America Beauty Pageant (1921), the seaside resort qualifies for some kind of folkloric hall of fame.

And although it has suffered its share of economic freefalls since its days as an opulent magnet for the rich and famous, like a cat, Atlantic City has always landed on its feet.