Sandy Hook Lighthouse

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, located about one and a half miles off the tip of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States.

Related Topics:
Sandy Hook, New Jersey - United States

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It was designed and built in 1764 by Isaac Conro. The light was built to aid mariners entering the southern end of the New York harbor. It was originally called New York Lighthouse because it was funded through a New York Assembly lottery and a tax on all ships entering the Port of New York. Sandy Hook Light has endured the occupancy of British soldiers during the Revolutionary War and exposure to the elements on the end of Sandy Hook. The view of the New York skyline from the bridge crossing into the Hook illustrates the importance this light played in the history of New York harbor.

Related Topics:
New York - Revolutionary War - New York harbor

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When the lighthouse was built in 1764, it stood only one half of a mile from the tip of Sandy Hook; however, today, due to longshore current, it is almost one and half miles from the tip. Sandy Hook Lighthouse is part of Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook, NJ. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse was restored in Spring 2000.

Related Topics:
Gateway National Recreation Area - 2000

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