Contact
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| (732)872-5970 |
| Official Site |
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Discussion/
Comment
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Facts
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- Built 1764
- 85 feet
- Third order lens
- 19 mile visibility
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 Sandy
Hook was built in 1764 by Isaac Conro at the mouth of New York Harbor.
Two lotteries were issued
to raise the money to build the historic lighthouse.
During the Revolutionary War it was a key beacon for British ships
coming into New York Harbor to resupply their troops. Because of
this importance, revolutionary troops attempted to destroy it with
cannon fire. Needless to say, they did not succeed and today Americans
and people from all over the world can climb the stairs of this important
lighthouse. It recently just went through a complete refurbishment
and is now reopened to the public.
In 1856 it was fitted with a third order lens which gave it a visibilty
of 19 miles. Prior to this is was basically just a harbor light,
guiding ships into New York Harbor. The light itself is managed by
the Coast Guard, while the lighthouse itself is managed by the National
Park Service.
The only time the Sandy Hook Lighthouse has fallen dark is during
the Civil War, the Spanish-American War in 1898, World War I and
during World War II.
New York wanted to lay claim to Sandy Hook and the lighthouse since
they raised the money for it to be built, but after a court battle
New Jersey won out. Today the lighthouse still sits in its original
location at the north end of the Sandy Hook penisula which is now
part of the Gateway National Recreation
Area. The lighthouse does stand about a mile further from the shore
than it once did because of natural affect of sand deposits.
Additional information on things to do around Sandy
Hook.
| Hours Of Operation |
General Admission |
Tours |
April - November
Noon - 4:00pm |
Free Admission |
Tours and talks are given by the
New Jersey Lighthouse Society. |
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