In the 1940s, Ocean City was the one place in the area where African Americans could vacation or buy property.

The idea came from white attorney Edgar L. Yow, who owned land in the area and talked to Black physician Samuel Gray.

Wade H. Chestnut, who along with wife Caronell owned the first home there, was a leader in the community's development.

In July 2022, a historical marker was planned, which will be part of the state's Civil Rights Trail.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,005 people, 482 households, and 233 families residing in the town.