Built in 1897 and opened in 1898, it was one of the most popular venues in the United States for the first seven decades of the twentieth century, featuring concerts, exhibits, and an amusement park.

In 1904, a storm washed away part of Steel Pier,[clarification needed] and many engineers stated that it could not be rebuilt.

Atlantic City's future mayor, Edward L. Bader, and his company accepted the challenge to rebuild it.

The restored pier hosted dance bands, three movie theaters, exhibits, operas, children's shows, a water circus, stunts, and other attractions.

It also was once called the "Showplace of the Nation" and included such acts as the High Diving horse; Rex the Wonder Dog, the Human Cannonball, a water-skiing canine in the 1930s; the diving bell; and musicians, including Frank Sinatra and Al Jolson, among others.

Diana Ross and The Supremes played week-long engagements during the summer in 1965, 1966, and 1967, to sold-out business in the Steel Pier's Music Hall Theater and the Marine Ballroom.

There's Always a Good Show on Steel Pier" was another phrase used to describe the venue's varied entertainment.

He brought popular and rock and roll music to the pier, starting with Bill Haley and the Comets in 1955.

The original wooden pier with steel underpinnings was destroyed in a 1982 fire; the current concrete structure dates from 1993.

The Trump Steel Pier opened in 1992, but had been reduced to about 1,000 ft (300 m) and featured mainly amusement rides.

When Trump acquired the steel pier, he connected it to his main casino and built a hub for tram car rides.