The famous Steel Pier has started its final year. Well known for its past and its revival 15 years ago, the end of its era is finally here. Trump is going turn the pier into hotel rooms, condos, and restaurants.

The Steel Pier was opened on June 18th, 1898. It was named "the Seel Pier" because of its steel underpinnings. Originally a private project built by the Quakers, it was soon open to the public.

The pier lead a star filled life. Just about every famous person from the 20's to the 60's appeared there. Even the Beatles made an appearance.

Steel Pier also was well known for some of its own performances. The diving horse was probably the most remembered attraction, but the diving bell, the human cannonball and the high divers were also big draws.

The Steel Pier has had its sad moments too. In the great noreaster of 1962, a portion of the pier was washed away. In 1970, the Marine Ballroom, where most entertainment acts were held, was destroyed by fire. That reduced the size of the pier by 1/3rd. In 1976, the Steel Pier finally closed its door due to an economically depressed Atlantic City.

In 1993, the pier was reborn. Even though it was a shadow of what it used to be, the staple of Atlantic City was back. While most of the things the Steel Pier were known for were gone, it reopened with amusement rides and carnival games. Again its presence brought class back to the name Atlantic City.

It has been a long ride, but it is almost over. After this summer, no more will the happy screams be heard from the Steel Pier, only a few sobs from people who miss what had once been.