Along what is now southern New Jersey, the Atlantic Ocean carved inlets, channels, and islands over eons, and in 1940 a chain of steel bridges and a concrete road linked the finger-like islands into more than forty miles of Ocean Drive. Beginning at Atlantic City, the southbound route passes through Ventnor, Margate, and Longport, crosses to Ocean City, settled in the early 1800's by a church group and ranked as America's "Greatest Family Resort," then continues by Strathmere and Sea Isle City, where the beach was deeded for public enjoyment. The drive goes on across Townsend's Inlet Bridge to Avalon, called the "Gem of the Jersey Coast," through Stone Harbor, known as the "Venice of America" and visited for its bird sanctuary, and into North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest, whose summer population often exceeds 150,000 and whose broad beach is regarded as exceptionally fine and safe. Crossing Middle Thorofare Bridge, travelers reach historic Cape May, where at least five presidents sought relaxation, and a trip to Cape May Point, where the ocean meets Delaware Bay, completes the route and connects to the South by the Cape May-Lewes Delaware Ferry. The six bridges, linking fourteen vacation retreats, were operated by the Cape May County Bridge Commission, established in 1938, with a toll of 25 cents per car for each bridge or tickets sold five for one dollar.