ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY – This place was built on dreams, vice and real estate deals.Atlantic City started with a real estate deal. Dr. Jonathan Pitney, who believed the central New Jersey coast was good for people’s health, convinced investors to build the Camden & Atlantic Railroad. Atlantic City incorporated in 1854, the same year the railroad began delivering Philadelphians to the newly built hotels and spas on the beach.It was a hit from the start.