Barnegat Lighthouse facts for kids
 |
|
| Barnegat Lighthouse, bordering the Atlantic Ocean | |
| Location | North end of Long Beach Island, off Broadway Avenue, Barnegat Light, New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°45′51.6″N 74°6′22.4″W / 39.764333°N 74.106222°W |
| Year first lit | 1857 (current tower) |
| Automated | 1927 |
| Deactivated | 1944–2009 |
| Foundation | Granite crib |
| Construction | Brick / iron |
| Tower shape | Conical |
| Markings / pattern | White bottom half Red top half White lantern |
| Height | 169 ft (52 m) |
| Focal height | 163 ft (50 m) |
| Original lens | 4th order Fresnel lens (original), 1st order Fresnel lens (1857), VRB-25 (current) |
| Range | 22 nmi (41 km; 25 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing white, 10s |
Barnegat Lighthouse, also known as Barnegat Light or Old Barney, is a famous lighthouse in New Jersey, USA. It stands tall at the northern tip of Long Beach Island. You can find it in Barnegat Light borough, which is part of Ocean County. The lighthouse is located right by the Barnegat Inlet. It's a historic landmark and a popular spot for visitors.
Contents
History of Barnegat Lighthouse
Building the First Lighthouse
The story of Barnegat Lighthouse began in 1834. The United States Congress provided $6,000 to build the first lighthouse. It was completed in 1835 and stood about 40 feet (12 meters) tall. However, sailors thought its light was not strong enough. The lighthouse was built 900 feet (274 meters) from the water. But the strong currents quickly caused the land to wear away. Within ten years, the water was only 450 feet (137 meters) from the tower.
Designing a New Lighthouse
By 1855, the old lighthouse was in danger from the sea. So, a new design was needed. George Meade, an Army engineer, was chosen for the job. He later became a famous general in the American Civil War. Meade had also designed another lighthouse called Absecon Light. He finished the plans for the new Barnegat Lighthouse in 1855. Construction started in late 1856.
The new lighthouse was built about 100 feet (30 meters) south of the first one. This was because the land was still eroding. The original lighthouse eventually fell into the water. To help with the rough ocean, several jetties (long structures built into the water) were added over time.
The Current Lighthouse Opens
The new Barnegat Light opened on January 1, 1859. This tower was much bigger and better. It stood 163 feet (50 meters) tall, which was four times taller than the first one. Its light was 172 feet (52 meters) above sea level. The lighthouse had a special Fresnel lens that was about 12 feet (3.7 meters) tall. This lens made the light very bright and easy to see. The whole project cost about $40,000, with the lens alone costing $15,000. The lighthouse you see today is actually two towers. An outer cone-shaped tower covers a cylinder-shaped tower inside.
Changes in the 20th Century
The lighthouse's powerful light guided ships for many years. But in 1927, a lightship was placed 8 miles (13 km) off the coast. This meant the lighthouse's main job changed. Its light was then automated, meaning it no longer needed a keeper to operate it. The large Fresnel lens was replaced with a smaller gas blinker. This made the light much weaker. A few weeks later, an electric bulb replaced the gas blinker.
In 1944, the lighthouse was no longer used by the Coast Guard. It was given to the State of New Jersey. Four years later, the town of Barnegat City changed its name to Barnegat Light. In 1954, the original Fresnel lens was returned to the town. You can now see it at the Barnegat Light Museum. The area around the lighthouse became a state park in 1957.
The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Barnegat Lighthouse Today
In 1988, the lighthouse closed for a while. This was for the building of a new south jetty. It reopened to visitors in 1991. A new walkway was built on top of the jetty. Today, you can climb the 217 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Over half a million people visit it every year.
In 2008, a local group called "Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park" raised money. They wanted to turn the lighthouse's light back on. They raised $35,000, and a new light system was bought. This new system is called a VRB-25. It's smaller than the old light but is used in many lighthouses across the U.S.
On January 1, 2009, the lighthouse's beacon was turned on again. This was exactly 150 years after it first opened. It was the first time the light had been on since before World War II.
The lighthouse closed for renovations in March 2022. It reopened after seven months of work. Now, the light shines every day from dusk until dawn. There is also a foghorn nearby that helps guide ships in foggy weather. The tower is lit up at night, making it a beautiful sight.
Lighthouse Museums
Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center
Right next to the lighthouse is the Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center. This center is open during certain seasons. Volunteers from the "Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park" help run it. The center teaches visitors about the lighthouse's history. You can learn about how lighthouses work and what lighthouse keepers did. It also shows how people have worked to protect Barnegat Lighthouse.
Barnegat Light Museum
A few blocks away, you'll find the Barnegat Light Museum. The Barnegat Light Historical Society operates this museum. It is home to the lighthouse's original first-order Fresnel lens. This is the huge lens that was used when the lighthouse first opened. The museum also has other interesting exhibits. One exhibit tells the story of Sinbad. Sinbad was a Coast Guard dog during World War II. He retired to Barnegat and is buried at the old Coast Guard station.
See also
