Brigantine Castle, New Jersey – Lost to the Ghosts – Legends of America
Nestled on the ocean beach at 14th Street and Brigantine Avenue in Brigantine, New Jersey, once stood a captivating landmark known as Brigantine Castle. More than just a building, it was an enchanting funhouse and haunted house attraction that beckoned thousands of visitors each year.
In the early 1970s, the site at the North End of the Island was a modest Seahorse Fishing Pier, a local haunt offering simple pleasures: children’s amusements, a beer bar, and pier fishing. However, a transformation was on the horizon, promising to elevate the island’s allure and economy.
The Vision Takes Shape
The winds of change began to blow in 1975 when businessman Carmen Ricci presented an ambitious plan to the City of Brigantine. His vision was to breathe new life into the aging Seahorse Pier, which had suffered the ravages of storms and neglect over the years. Securing city approval, Ricci initiated a large-scale pier renovation.
On January 2, 1976, construction commenced on a medieval-style castle complex on the pier. The project moved swiftly, and by Memorial Day that year, the castle was complete and ready to welcome visitors. Its turrets, soaring over 100 feet high, made it an instant landmark, drawing crowds with its haunted theme.
A Hub of Entertainment
Brigantine Castle was more than just a haunted house. It was a comprehensive entertainment destination. In addition to the thrilling haunted house, the pier featured a variety of amusements, including restaurants, miniature golf, arcade games, and shops. The revitalized Brigantine Haunted Castle and Amusement Pier became a boon for the secluded fishing town, transforming it into a bustling tourist destination. Swarms of visitors flocked to the island each summer to experience the spine-chilling thrills of the Haunted Castle and the excitement of the amusement pier.
The castle’s initial success can be attributed to Ricci’s extensive advertising campaign, which blanketed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York with print, radio, and television commercials. These efforts drew busloads of visitors to the castle, introducing Brigantine Island to thousands of new tourists.
The Performers: The Heart of the Castle
Another crucial element of the castle’s success was the dedicated team of performers who brought the haunted experience to life each summer. Many of these actors were young drama majors, eager to hone their skills and entertain the crowds. They spent countless hours preparing sets, costumes, and new acts, ensuring that the haunted castle remained fresh and engaging each year.
These talented individuals portrayed iconic characters such as the Addams Family, the Butcher and the Vamp, Frankenstein, the Headless Woman, the Bell Tower Creature, the Bride of Dracula, and many more. Visitors were captivated by the live spooks that roamed the twisting walkways in the castle’s five levels. The attraction was so popular that people waited in line for hours to enter, with lines stretching down the block in the first year.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite its early success, Brigantine Castle faced challenges. The influx of visitors strained the town’s infrastructure. The pier was not designed to handle the busloads of tourists, leading to traffic congestion and parking problems. Frustrated residents complained about visitors knocking on their doors to use the bathrooms and urinating on their lawns.
These issues led to a lawsuit in the late 1970s. Although Carmen Ricci won the case, the city responded by creating ordinances that limited charter bus traffic and restricted castle advertising, impacting the castle’s business.
Storms and Fires
The castle’s troubles continued into the 1980s. In August 1982, a severe storm caused extensive damage to the pier and the castle, resulting in $500,000 in damages. Despite holding a government flood insurance policy, the federal government refused to cover the storm damage. Nevertheless, the venue persevered and continued to operate.
Another significant blow came in May 1984, when a fire at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, claimed the lives of eight teenagers trapped inside a haunted house. This tragedy prompted public safety officials to re-evaluate the safety of such attractions. Brigantine Beach officials required Ricci to conduct an engineering study of the pier and castle.
The study revealed that while the haunted castle had the required sprinkler systems and external fire escapes, the rest of the pier did not. The study also determined that the pier structure was unsafe and required significant repairs.
The End of an Era
Despite these challenges, Ricci initially planned to open for the 1985 season. However, escalating tensions with Brigantine officials led him to reconsider. In April 1987, he sold the property to a developer for $1 million. The new owner intended to construct a condo complex on the amusement facility’s parking lot.
Demolition commenced in late summer 1987. Shortly after, on the morning of September 25, a fire broke out, consuming what remained of the Brigantine Castle and pier. All that was left were some pilings, marking the end of an era. A new pier was never built.
Legacy
The Brigantine Castle and Amusement Pier was the most famous single attraction in the history of Brigantine Beach. On average, it employed over 35 people, attracted over a million visitors annually, and generated yearly revenues exceeding $2 million.
Though it is now just a memory, the Brigantine Castle lives on in the stories and memories of those who experienced its thrills and chills. It remains a significant part of Brigantine’s history, a testament to the power of imagination and entertainment.