Absecon Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Vermont and Pacific Avenues, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°21′58″N 74°24′51″W / 39.36611°N 74.41417°W |
| Year first constructed | 1856 |
| Year first lit | 1857 |
| Deactivated | 1933 |
| Foundation | Granite blocks |
| Construction | Brick and iron |
| Tower shape | Frustum of a cone attached to keeper's house |
| Markings / pattern | yellow/black/yellow |
| Height | 171 feet (52 m) |
| Original lens | First-order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 19.5 nmi (36.1 km; 22.4 mi) |
| Characteristic | fixed white light |
The Absecon Lighthouse is a tall lighthouse located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It stands near the ocean, looking out over Absecon Inlet.
At 171 feet (52 m) (about 52 meters) tall, it is the highest lighthouse in New Jersey. It is also the third-tallest lighthouse in the United States built from stone or brick.
Building the Absecon Lighthouse started in 1854. Its light first shone on January 15, 1857. The lighthouse was officially stopped from guiding ships in 1933. Even though its light still shines every night, it is no longer used to help ships find their way.
Today, you can visit the lighthouse! For a small fee, you can climb to the top. There, you can see the watch room and an outdoor viewing area. A copy of the lighthouse keepers' home opened in 2002. It now works as a museum and a gift shop. The building where oil was once stored now has a special exhibit about the Fresnel lens.
The Absecon Lighthouse also offers fun programs. These include overnight stays for Scouts and art programs for kids in winter. Many other special events happen throughout the year.
Who Designed the Lighthouse?
The Absecon Lighthouse was designed by George Meade. He was an engineer who later became a famous general in the American Civil War. The lighthouse still has its original first-order fixed Fresnel lens. This special lens is made of lead glass and weighs 12,800 pounds (5,800 kg) (about 5,800 kilograms).
Because the light was "fixed" (meaning it didn't flash), it doesn't have a part facing the land. This allowed the keepers to enter the lens from below for cleaning and upkeep.
In 1964, Jack E. Boucher helped save and preserve the lighthouse.
A Historic Landmark
The Absecon Lighthouse is a very important historical site. It is listed on several special lists:
- The National Register of Historic Places
- The Historic American Buildings Survey
- The New Jersey Register of Historic Places
These listings mean the lighthouse is recognized as a significant part of history.
Museum and Exhibits
The Absecon Lighthouse has a history museum. It is located in a building that looks like the keeper's house from 1925. The museum has many interesting exhibits, including:
- Information about ocean life
- Stories of shipwrecks
- Details about lighthouse keepers and the history of lighthouses
- Local items from the area
- Photos showing how the lighthouse was restored
The old Oil House has a special exhibit about the Fresnel lens. Visitors can climb the 228 steps to reach the very top of the lighthouse. The lighthouse also offers educational programs for groups and children.
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A drawing of the top of the lighthouse from the Historic American Buildings Survey
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A photo of the lighthouse at night by Jack Boucher
See also
