During the United States' Prohibition era (1920-1933), Atlantic City, New Jersey, began booming as a coastal resort town where gambling, prostitution and other illicit activities were allowed.
The Italian mafia was supported by Nucky Johnson's Organization, a Republican political machine founded by Louis Kuehnle, the "pioneer" of Atlantic City.
[1] After the political machine was established by the Italian mafia with help from the Jewish mob, Prohibition went into effect in Atlantic City, which led to Johnson pursuing the bootlegging business.
Notable attendees and founders of the conference were La Cosa Nostra Masseria crime family lieutenant Charlie Luciano and the former boss of Chicago's South Side Gang Johnny Torrio.
[3] From 1941 through the machine's demise in 1971, Frank Farley served in the New Jersey Legislature for a record 34 years, and was the longest-serving boss of Nucky's organization.