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Sandy Hook
Built at the request of New York merchants wanting to protect their ships entering the harbor, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse was lighted for the first time on June 11, 1764. The octagonal tower was the fifth lighthouse in the colonies and remains the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. The lighthouse was occupied by British soldiers during the American Revolution, and was bombarded by cannons served by Patriot troops. It was also the sanctuary to local refugees who were sympathizers of the King.
The grounds around the Lighthouse are open daily, with volunteers from the New Jersey Lighthouse Society offering tours inside. Tours are limited on a first-come first-served basis. From Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends, special use fees for beach parking are changed, while entry to the historic district is free.
Twin Lights
For over two centuries, the Highlands of Monmouth County has served as a natural site for a lighthouse. The present towers, 254 feet above sea level, were constructed in 1861. Though decommissioned in 1952, local organizations had a 500-watt blinker light installed (in 1962) as a reminder of the Light's heritage, maintained by the State Division of Parks and Forestry. The new exhibit installation centers around the history of the Twin Lights and the U.S. Life-Saving Service. For additional information, call (732) 872-1814.
Visit the Monmouth County Lighthouse Guide webpage for more info on both lighhouses.
New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge: A yearly event with over 19,000 visitors to 11 lighthouses in NJ over one weekend. Visit the NJ Lighthouse Society website for more info.