Historic Light Station
Information
& Photography
NEW JERSEY
ABSECON LIGHT
ATLANTIC CITY (ORIGINALLY ABSECON BEACH)Station Established: 1855
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1857; Deactivated 1933-1997
Operational? YES
Automated? YES
Foundation Materials: GRANITE BLOCKS
Construction Materials: BRICK/IRON
Tower Shape: CONICAL ATTACHED TO KEEPERS
Markings/Pattern: YELLOW WITH RED BAND MIDWAY
Height: 169 feet; Height of focal plane: 167 feet
Characteristics: Flashing White 15 S
Relationship to Other Structure: ATTACHED
Original Lens: FIRST ORDER, FRESNEL/OIL LAMP 1857
Foghorn: None
Chronology:
- 1846: A resolution by the New Jersey legislature called for building of a lighthouse. The Federal Government ignored the resolution.
- 1855: Lt. George Meade was the tower’s architect. The lighthouse was completed in late 1856 under direction of another engineer Captain W.F. Fraynolds. Daniel Scull was the first lighthouse keeper to use the 225 cast iron steps to the top of Absecon Light.
- 1870s: A battle with the sea began soon after the lighthouse was activated. By the 1870s erosion had reached the station.
- 1876-1878: Protective jetties were built. Eventually there were seven built at 150’ intervals. There was some improvement and eventually deep-water jetties were built. These really did the trick of stabilizing the sand and the low water line returned to the 1854 level.
- 1933: Eventually the lights of the fast growing Atlantic City made the Absecon light useless and it was deactivated in 1933.
- 1966: In January 1966 it was re-lighted and was open to the public during the summer months.
Chronology was researched and written by Diane Hackney.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE
AMBROSE LIGHT (see New York)
BARNEGAT LIGHT
NORTH END LONG BEACH ISLAND
Station Established: 1835
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1857
Operational? NO
Automated? YES 1927
Deactivated: 1944
Foundation Materials: GRANITE CRIB
Construction Materials: BRICK/IRON
Tower Shape: CONICAL
Markings/Pattern: RED ABOVE, WHITE BELOW
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: FIRST ORDER, FRESNEL 1859
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE
BERGEN POINT LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BERGEN POINT LIGHTHOUSE
BRANDYWINE SHOAL LIGHT
DELAWARE BAY
Station Established: 1823
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1914
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1974
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CAST IRON/CONCRETE CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON
Tower Shape: CYLINDRICAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/RED TOP
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: THIRD ORDER, FRESNEL
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BRANDYWINE SHOAL PILE LIGHTHOUSE
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BRANDYWINE SHOAL CAISSON LIGHTHOUSE
CAPE MAY LIGHT
DELAWARE BAY ENTRANCE
Station Established: 1823
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1859
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1946
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: SURFACE ROCK
Construction Materials: BRICK
Tower Shape: CONICAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/RED LANTERN (ORIG. GRAY WASH)
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: FIRST ORDER, FRESNEL 1853
The lighthouse is now operated by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. For more information, contact them at:
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts
1048 Washington Street
P.O. Box 340
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-5404
Email: macmarketing@campemaymac.org
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE
CHAPEL HILL RANGE LIGHTS
SANDY HOOK BAY/NEW YORK HARBOR
Station Established: 1856
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1856; Front Range: 1941
Operational? NO
Automated?
Deactivated:
Foundation Materials: BRICK; Front Range: CONCRETE
Construction Materials: WOOD; Front Range: STEEL
Tower Shape: SQUARE; Front Range: SKELETAL W/CYLINDER
Markings/Pattern: BEIGE; Front Range: RED & WHITE BANDS
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL; Front Range: SEPARATE
Original Lens: SECOND ORDER 1856; Front Range: 375 MM 1939
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE CHAPEL HILL FRONT RANGE LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE CHAPEL HILL REAR RANGE LIGHT
CONOVER BEACON LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE CONOVER BEACON LIGHTHOUSE
DEEPWATER POINT RANGE LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DEEPWATER POINT FRONT RANGE LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BACK OF THE DWELLING OF THE DEEPWATER POINT FRONT RANGE LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DEEPWATER POINT REAR RANGE LIGHT
EAST POINT (MAURICE RIVER) LIGHT
Location: Near Heislerville, Maurice River, Delaware
Bay
Station Established: 1849
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1849
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1911
Deactivated: 1941-1980
Foundation Materials: STONE
Construction Materials: WHITEWASHED BRICK
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL ON ROOF OF SQUARE HOUSE
Height: 40 feet
Focal Plane: 43 feet
Markings/Pattern: BLACK LANTERN ON HOUSE W/RED ROOF
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: SIXTH ORDER 1849
Chronology:
- 1849, 10 September: The lighthouse was established with an octagonal tower in the center of a Cape Cod style house. This was the second lighthouse built in the state.
- 1911: The light was automated.
- 1913: The name changed from the Maurice River to the East Point Lighthouse.
- 1941 The USCG decommissioned the lighthouse and it quickly fell into disrepair.
- 1971, July: Fire almost destroyed the building as the Maurice River Historical Society, which was founded earlier that year, was in the process of obtaining the lighthouse from the state.
- Mid 1970's: Fundraising allowed for the rebuilding of the roof and the lantern lost in the fire.
- 1980, 2 July: The USCG reinstated a beacon in the tower to act as an active aid to navigation.
- 1999: The first phase of the exterior restoration was completed.
- 2002: The grounds are open year round. There is an annual open house to tour the lighthouse.
Chronology was researched and written by Diane Hackney.
PHOTOGRAPH NOT AVAILABLE
EGG ISLAND LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE EGG ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
ELBOW OF CROSS LEDGE LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE ELBOW OF CROSS LEDGE LIGHT ORIGINAL TOWER
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE ELBOW OF CROSS LEDGE LIGHT REPLACEMENT SKELETON TOWER
FINNS POINT RANGE LIGHT
DELAWARE RIVER
Station Established: 1877
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1877
Operational? NO
Automated? YES 1934
Deactivated: 1950
Foundation Materials: MASONRY
Construction Materials: WROUGHT IRON
Tower Height: 115 feet
Tower Shape: SKELETAL W/CYLINDER
Markings/Pattern: SOLID BLACK
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: FRESNEL 1876
Chronology:
- 1876: The lighthouse, which was constructed in Buffalo, New York, was shipped by freight train and then pulled by mules to its present location. The light was erected with a cost of $1,200.
- 1877: The light was first lit. The light was a 150,000 candlepower kerosene vapor light.
- 1930's: The front range light that was paired with this rear range light was destroyed.
- 1939: The lighthouse was automated.
- 1951: The channel the lighthouse marked was altered thus making the lighthouse obsolete.
- 1977: The keeper's quarters were destroyed after vandals repeatedly damaged the property.
- 1981: The "Save the Lighthouse Committee" was formed and successfully lobbied Congress for funds.
- 1983: The lighthouse was restored.
- 2002: The light is opened for climbing on a seasonal basis. The oil house still stands as well.
Chronology was researched and written by Diane Hackney.
PClick here to view a photograph of the Finns Point Front Range Light
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE FINNS POINT REAR RANGE LIGHT
FORT MIFFLIN LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE FORT MIFFLIN LIGHT
GREAT BEDS LIGHT
REWRITTEN RIVER
Station Established: 1880
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1880
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1945
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON
Tower Shape: CONICAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1880
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE GREAT BEDS LIGHTHOUSE
HEREFORD INLET LIGHT (OLD)
HEREFORD INLET ENTRANCE
Station Established: 1849
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1874
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1964
Deactivated: 1964-1983
Foundation Materials: WOOD PILINGS
Construction Materials: WOOD
Tower Height: 49.5 feet
Tower Shape: SQUARE
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Characteristics: Rotating white light with red sector
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1874
Chronology:
- 1872, 10 June: Congress acted to finance a fourth order light along the New Jersey shoreline.
- 1873, 7 July: Humphrey S. Cresse sold the 1.5 acre site to the US government for $150.
- 1874, 16 April: The US Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of the lighthouse.
- 1874, 11 May: A "Notice to Mariners" announced the operation of the light on the North end of Five Mile Beach.
- 1913, August: A severe storm damaged the foundation of the lighthouse. The lighthouse was moved 150 feet westward where it stands today.
- 1938, May: A fire caused extensive damage to the lighthouse.
- 1963: The lighthouse property was transferred to the New Jersey Marine Police.
- 1964: An automatic light tower was built to replace the lighthouse.
- 1977, 20 September: The lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historical Places after restoration by the city.
- 1982: A 20 year no-cost lease to the City of North Wildwood from the Department of Environmental Protection was established.
- 1983, 1 July: A portion of the restored lighthouse was used as a tourist information center.
- 1986, April: The US Coast Guard relit the lighthouse using the beacon from the automatic light tower.
- 2002: The lighthouse is open during the summer for tours.
Researched and written by Diane Hackney.
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HEREFORD INLET LIGHT
HORSESHOE RANGE LIGHTS, EAST GROUP
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HORSESHOE RANGE LIGHT, LOWER FRONT TOWER
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HORSESHOE RANGE LIGHT, UPPER FRONT TOWER
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HORSESHOE RANGE LIGHT, REAR TOWER
LUDLAM BEACH LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE LUDLAM BEACH LIGHT
MIAH MAULL SHOAL LIGHT
ON NORTH END OF SHOAL/DELAWARE BAY
Station Established: 1913
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1913
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1974
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CONCRETE/CAST IRON CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON W/BRICK LINING
Tower Height: 45 feet; focal plane 59 feet
Tower Shape: CONICAL
Markings/Pattern: RED TOWER W/RED WATCHROOM/BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: Fourth Order Fresnel; today 500 mm optic
Chronology:
- 1909: A temporary light near the site of a late 18th century shipwreck where Nehemiah Maull drowned was established.
- 1913: The permanent light, painted brown, was first lit.
- By 1941: The lighthouse was listed as having a red tower, a black lantern and a gray base.
- By 1973: The lighthouse was fully automated.
- 1980's: The US Coast Guard removed the metal canopy from above the walkway during renovation.
- Today: The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation using a 500 mm optic. The lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Researched and written by Diane Hackney.
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE MIAH MAULL SHOAL LIGHT
NAVESINK TWIN LIGHTS
LOWER NEW YORK BAY
Station Established: 1828
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1862
Operational? YES; North Tower: NO
Automated? YES 1949
Deactivated: 1898-1962; North Tower: 1949
Foundation Materials: STONE
Construction Materials: BROWNSTONE W/BRICK LINING
Tower Height: 46 feet; 73 feet; focal plane of 246 feet
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL; North Tower: SQUARE
Markings/Pattern: TWO TOWERS ON FORTRESS STYLE STRUCTURE
Relationship to Other Structure: ATTACHED
Original Lens: Second Order Fresnel, 1841; North Tower: First Order Fresnel,
1841
General Information:
Navesink Light, New Jersey, on Navesink Highlands, south of the entrance to New York, was established in 1828. It consisted originally of two rubble towers. In 1862 two brownstone towers replaced these, the north tower being octagonal and the south tower square. They are 73 feet high and connected by a dwelling. The present light is exhibited from the south tower only and shows a flashing white light every 5 seconds, 246 feet above water and visible 19 miles. The light in the north tower was discontinued in 1898.In 1841 the first Fresnel lens to be used in this country was imported from France and installed in the south tower. In 1898 an electric arc lamp replaced oil lamps in the south tower, this being the first primary lighthouse in the United States to use electric light. The electric arc lamp was equipped with a bivalve lens of the new lighting type. This lens, weighing over 7 tons, revolved in 10 seconds, and gave a flash every 5 seconds, lasting 0.3 seconds. The Navesink Light was the only shore station having a plant for generating electricity. Its estimated candlepower was 25,000,000 making it the most powerful coast light in the United States. Although on account of the curvature of the earth, the light itself could not be seen more than 22 miles, its beam was reported to have been observed in the sky at a distance of 70 nautical miles.
After the establishment of this electric flashing light many complaints were made by residents of the neighborhood of the great discomfort and annoyance caused by the brilliancy of the flash. This was remedied by darkening several of the lantern panels on the landside. The light was later changed to an electric incandescent light of 9,000,000 candlepower. With the improvement in floating aids, however, this lighthouse lost some of its early importance, and the candlepower was reduced to 5,000 candlepower. It was changed to unwatched in 1949. The light was discontinued in 1952 and used as a daybeacon until 1963.
Chronology:
- 1828: The original twin towers at Navesink were built. They stood 100 yards apart. The north tower displayed a fixed white light while the south tower had a rotating white light.
- 1841: The first Fresnel lens in the United States was installed in the south tower.
- By 1851: It was decided that new towers were needed to replace the originals.
- 1862: The new and current towers were first lit. The north octagonal tower and the south square tower were connected by the keeper's quarters. The north tower was equipped with a 2nd order Fresnel lens and the south displayed its 1st order Fresnel lens.
- 1898: A generator was installed. This made Navesink the site of the first lighthouse with electricity.
- 1949: The US Coast Guard automated the lights.
- 1953: The light station was decommissioned and turned over to the state of New Jersey.
- 1962: A sixth order Fresnel lens was placed in the north tower.
- 2002: The north tower is open for climbing. A museum and gift shop now occupies the keeper's quarters.
Chronology researched and written by Diane Hackney.
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE NAVESINK LIGHTHOUSE
SANDY HOOK LIGHT
NEW YORK LOWER BAY, SANDY HOOK, GATEWAY NATIONAL
RECREATION AREA
Station Established: 1764
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1764
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1965
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: STONE
Construction Materials: RUBBLESTONE W/BRICK INTERIOR
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Tower Height: 103-feet to the top of the lightning rod
Characteristics: Fixed-white light
Markings/Pattern: WHITE WITH RED LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: 18 LAMPS, 21" REFLECTORS 1842
Foghorn: None
General Information:
The Sandy Hook Light tower is the oldest original tower still standing and in use in the United States. The light in this tower was lighted for the first time on June 11, 1764. Originally called the "New York Lighthouse," it was built by Mr. Isaac Conro of New York City with money collected by a group of New York merchants and maintained by tonnage dues of 22 pence per ton paid to the port of New York "By order of an Act of the Colony." The location of the lighthouse on New Jersey land eventually caused dissension between the two States. It was one of the 12 lighthouses built by the colonies which, by the act of August 7, 1789, were ceded to the United States. The new Federal Government agreed to maintain them thereafter.The lighthouse was described in 1764 as follows: "This House is of an Octagon Figure, having eight equal sides; the Diameter of the Base 29 feet; and at the Top of the Wall 15 Feet. The Lanthorn is 7 feet high; the Circumference 15 Feet. The whole Construction of the Lanthorn is Iron; the top covered with Copper. There are 48 Oil Blazes. The Building from the Surfaces is Nine Stories; the whole from Bottom to Top 103 Feet.
A lot of about 4 acres "at the point of Sandy Hook, in Monmouth County," was ceded to the United States by the State of New Jersey on November 16, 1790, and on March 1, 1804, the State of New Jersey "consented to the purchase of a lot on the north point of Sandy Hook, for the purpose of erecting a beacon." Appropriations for a beacon "to be erected on the north point of Sandy Hook" were made in 1804 ($2,000), 1805 ($6,000), 1807 ($1,200) and 1817 ($1,200). In 1832 there were two beacons on the Hook, "one on the north point, ranging with the light and buoy of the upper middle; and the westernmost one and light ranging with the buoy on the SW. spit, in both of which are lamps.
In 1852 the Lighthouse Board reported "The tower of Sandy Hook main light was constructed in 1764, under royal charter, of rubblestone, and is now in a good state of preservation. Neither leaks nor cracks were observed in it. The mortar appeared to be good, and it was stated that the annual repairs upon this tower amount to a smaller sum than in the towers of any of the minor lights in the New York district. The illuminating apparatus is composed of 18 21 inch reflectors, and Argand lamps which were fitted new, according to the best information on the subject, in 1842.
The light is a 60,000-candlepower, third-order electric light, fixed white, in a white stone tower, 85 feet above ground and 88 feet above water, visible for 15 miles.
Chronology:
- 1761: 43 New York merchants petition the Colonial Assembly of New York to erect a lighthouse at Sandy Hook to aid sailors in navigating the narrow curved channel at the tip of Sandy Hook so there would be a safer passage way into New York Harbor.
- 1762, May 10: 4 acres of land at Sandy Hook was purchased from Robert Hartshorne with money raised in a lottery authorized by the Colonial Assembly of New York.
- 1763, June 14: A second lottery was held in order to raise funds to build the lighthouse.
- 1764, June 11: The rubble stone lighthouse built by Isaac Contro of New York City, and originally known as the "New York Lighthouse", was first lit. This made the light the 5th to be built in the colonies.
- 1776, March: The lighting apparatus and oil lamps were removed in order to prevent the light aiding British troops.
- 1776, Spring: The British were able to relight the tower using makeshift lamps and reflectors.
- 1776, June 1: Americans fire upon the light with cannons in an effort to take out the light now under British control. After damaging the tower, they were chased off by an armed ship.
- 1817: Two additional beacons, the Sandy Hook East and the Sandy Hook West, were constructed at Sandy Hook.
- 1856: A 3rd order Fresnel lens manufactured by the P. Sautter & Co. of Paris, France was installed in the lantern. This lens is still in use today.
- 1857: Three assistants were assigned to aid the head keeper who was in charge of all 3 lights at Sandy Hook.
- By 1863: Extensive repairs including a new edifice, a brick lining inside the tower and new iron steps to replace the old wooden stairs were completed.
- 1883: A new keepers quarters was built. The double frame dwelling, which housed the head keeper, his family, and the assistants, still stands today.
- 1889: Sandy Hook Lighthouse became the first lighthouse in the U.S. to be lit by incandescent lamps.
- 1964, June 11: The lighthouse is dedicated as a National Historic Landmark on its 200th anniversary.
- 1996: Ownership of the lighthouse was transferred from the Coast Guard to the National Park Service.
- 2002: The lighthouse is a part of the Gateway National Recreational Area. Equipped with a 1000-watt bulb, the light is visible up to 19 miles on a clear day. The New Jersey Lighthouse Society in conjunction with the National Park Service conducts tours of the tower.
Chronology was researched and written by Diane Hackney.
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE SANDY HOOK LIGHTHOUSE
SEA GIRT LIGHT
RELOCATED FROM SEA GIRT INLET
Station Established: 1896
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1896
Operational? NO
Automated? YES 1945
Deactivated: 1977
Foundation Materials: BRICK
Construction Materials: BRICK
Tower Height: 44 feet; focal plane 60 feet
Tower Shape: SQUARE
Markings/Pattern: RED BRICK W/BLACK & WHITE LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Characteristics: Flashing red light for 2 seconds out of every 6 seconds
(1896); white light with 1 flash per second (1912)
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1896
Chronology:
- 1889: Congress appropriated $20,000 for a lighthouse near Squan Inlet. Before the sale of land picked out for the lighthouse was completed, the site was determined to be unfit for a lighthouse
- 1894-1895: A new site was selected and the title to the land was transferred.
- 1896: Construction of the lighthouse was completed.
- 1896, 10 December: The lighthouse was first lit.
- 1900: A 240 foot sand fence was installed to protect the lighthouse from erosion.
- 1912, May: The kerosene wick lamp was replaced with an incandescent oil vapor lamp. The light characteristic was changed to a white light with 1 flash per second.
- By the 1920's: The ocean lapped at the lighthouse foundation. Interlocking steel pilings were installed around the seaward side of the light.
- 1921: Sea Girt became the first shore light station with a radio fog signal.
- 1924, November: The light was electrified and changed to a 300-watt lamp.
- 1941: The light was shut down and the Fresnel lens was removed. At the end of World War II a new light was instated on top of the lantern room. It was similar to an airport beacon.
- 1955: The lighthouse discontinued. The property was offered to the state but it was declined. The light from the top of the lantern room was moved to a tower on the lighthouse property.
- 1956: The lighthouse was sold to the Borough of Sea Girt for $11,000. The building was used as a meeting place for town activities.
- 1980: The Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee was formed to restore the lighthouse. They leased the property from the town for 25 years at a rate of $1 per year. The lease was later extended to the year 2056.
- 1982: The light from the tower was removed and placed in the lantern room.
- 2002: Tours are available of the lighthouse.
Chronology was researched and written by Diane Hackney.
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE SEA GIRT LIGHTHOUSE
STATUE OF LIBERTY LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY LIGHT
TINICUM ISLAND FRONT RANGE LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TINICUM ISLAND FRONT RANGE LIGHT
TINICUM ISLAND REAR RANGE LIGHT
DELAWARE RIVER
Station Established: 1880
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1880
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1967
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: STONE MASONRY
Construction Materials: IRON
Tower Shape: SKELETAL W/CENTRAL CYLINDER
Markings/Pattern: BLACK
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: PARABOLIC REFLECTOR 1880
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TINICUM ISLAND REAR RANGE LIGHTH
