How old is barnegat lighthouse

Or welcomes them to a new area. Top Spots. CBS 3. Philadelphia News. It stood only 40 feet tall and its non-flashing, fifth class light was considered incompetent by mariners of the day. Henry V. Low was the first keeper of the Lighthouse and served from August 3, until March 12, The light consisted of 1, glass prisms and brass mountings and was shipped to New York aboard the Arago in March, There are also shoals just off the local coast that have been responsible for wrecking many ships.

Although shipping is still important today, during centuries past the ocean waters off of Barnegat Peninsula and Long Beach Island were part of an important shipping passage. A lighthouse at Barnegat Inlet, and at other key points along the coastal route, proved to be vitally important for safety and navigation. This first attempt at a lighthouse did not go well.

The structure was completed the following year. It was 40 feet tall and had a light that was not very bright. There were also problems with erosion of the northern end of Long Beach Island.

Half of the original feet of land between the lighthouse and the ocean was gone within the first ten years. Nearing an age of twenty years in , the original light was finally replaced by a slighter stronger lens.

Any improvements this offered were relatively short lived. Park Programs The Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park host a winter lecture series at the Interpretive Center covering maritime history and natural history topics.

The forest, which is dominated by black cherry, sassafras, eastern red cedar and American holly, is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds on their long journey to and from their breeding sites. The Maritime Forest Trail is a 0. Saltwater anglers have access to Barnegat Inlet along the bulkhead in the picnic area where they can catch striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, summer flounder, tautog, winter flounder and black sea bass. A 1,foot concrete walkway with handrails on top of the south jetty provides fishing access for people with disabilities.

The picnic area is also accessible for people with disabilities. Picnic tables are located along Barnegat Inlet where visitors can picnic, relax and observe the waterway. Two picnic shelters with tables are also provided for picnicking. Visitors who enjoy sunbathing and fishing can picnic on the sand along the jetty. Fires, propane stoves and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is an excellent area to observe many species of birds during the spring and fall migrations.

A New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife program provides seasonal fencing of critical nesting areas on the beach adjacent to the park. This provides protection for certain endangered beach nesting birds and opportunities for observation. The park also is a great location for viewing wintering waterfowl such as red-breasted mergansers, common eiders and harlequin ducks. The park often sponsors waterfowl viewing programs throughout the winter.

Access for Persons with Disabilities The Barnegat Lighthouse State Park recreational and historic facilities are partially accessible for persons with disabilities.