Atlantic Highlands, formally known as Portland Pointe, is in Monmouth County part of the Shore Region. This is a small community on Sandy Hook Bay, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, with neighboring towns, Locust, Leonardo, Navesink, and Red Bank.
Atlantic Highlands is named for its location at the mouth of the bay on the ocean. People came from New York and other surrounding places to this town and eventually an outdoor amphitheater was created, along with hotels, cottages, rooming houses, and private homes. A pier was built into the bay so steamboats could come.
The town was founded in 1671 by Richard Hatshorne, a London Quaker, and all the advances listed did not come until the 1800's. Attractions include the Henry Hudson Trail, and the Mt. Mitchell Scenic Overlook.
Interesting Fact: Simon Lake, noted to be the father of the submarine, tested his actual craft the 'Argonaut Jr.' in Atlantic Highlands.
