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A
Text Map of Area Beacons
 ith
the advent of modern shipboard electronics and global satellite positioning, the
role of lighthouses to navigators in New Jersey and around the world was greatly
diminished toward the end of the last century.
Many of the decommissioned beacons fell into
disrepair and became targets of vandals. Fortunately, renewed public interest in
the maritime history of coastal regions has resulted in widespread restoration
and preservation projects that will enable future generations to see many of
these interesting sights first hand.
The Twin Lights,
towering high
above Highlands in Monmouth County, is perhaps the most well known of the
lighthouses in NJ. From this vantage point you'll be able to see the New York
City skyline and two other lighthouses: Sandy
Hook, which was constructed in 1764, and the Ambrose
Light situated out at sea. Both are still in daily operation guiding ships
into New York Bay. Another lighthouse in this region, no longer in actively
used, will come as a surprise to many: The
Statue of Liberty.
 Moving down the coast to
Sea Girt,
we find a lighthouse reminiscent of a typical residential house in the
region. The
Fort Mifflin beacon shows strong Dutch influence in its construction,
while
Eastpoint was obviously influenced by early farmers in the Garden State.
Hereford,
Ludlum Beach and
Passaic represent other
examples of residential or farming themes. In the "what were they thinking"
category we might include: Miah
Maull, Ship John Shoal
and Tinicum Range.
Returning
to a more traditional look, we find "Old
Barney" on Barnegat Bay, although this particular photograph is
somewhat surrealistic in appearance. Today, the Atlantic City Casino's draw the
biggest crowds, but the Absecon
Light still garners its share of visitors and is worth a look during breaks
in the action. Rounding out the traditional style is the Cape
May Lighthouse, which is still in full operation by the Coast Guard with
tours and a gift shop operated by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts.
Surprised at how many lighthouses have served the region over the years? Our
Lighthouse
List includes an alphabetical listing of the above and even more examples
from the past and present along the Jersey Shore.
In closing, one of our readers requested information on
lighthouses that offer overnight accommodations. For that reader, and the other
more adventurous travelers among you, see this list of lighthouses
maintained by Selkirk
Lighthouse in NY.
See Also: I-95 Road Trip Guide
- New England Expedition
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