The years during the Depression brought very difficult times to the town of Ocean City. In the 1920's the county wanted to give people work so they decided to cut an inlet in the beach to connect the ocean and the bay. This would provide access to the ocean for local fishermen. The workers made very primitive retaining walls, that very obviously did not work, to many businessmen's dismay. When they dug up the surfbank it immediately closed itself up again.
But, on that fateful day, August 23, 1933 a severe northeaster tore through Ocean City like fire through paper. This great storm left in its wake several ruined buildings AND cut a deep water inlet which was navigable almost immediately. Ironically, this new inlet was in a different location than the previously attempted man-made one.
Because of this deep water access, recreational deep sea fishing has become a big industry. Thus, Ocean City has been dubbed "The White Marlin Capital of the World," and a major tournament is held every August. The storm also totally destroyed the Ocean City Railroad Bridge across the Assawoman Bay. The railroad was never rebuilt. Instead a highway bridge which automobiles could use was built. The boardwalk along the beach was also ruined. It was rebuilt and extends 3 miles north of the inlet.
In 1962, another storm re-opened the failed man-made inlet. The government had to pay a great deal of money to re-close it. If you look hard enough you can see evidence of this across from the Municipal Airport in West Ocean City.