Great Beds Light facts for kids
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| Great Beds Light | |
 Great Beds Light
Location in Middlesex County, New Jersey
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| Location | Raritan Bay, South Amboy, New Jersey |
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| Coordinates | 40°29′12″N 74°15′12″W / 40.48667°N 74.25333°W |
| Year first constructed | 1880 |
| Year first lit | 1880 |
| Automated | 1945 |
| Foundation | Caisson |
| Construction | Cast iron |
| Tower shape | White conical tower on black conical pier with black lantern |
| Height | 61 feet (19 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel 1880 |
| Range | 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing red, 6 s |
The Great Beds Light is a special kind of lighthouse called a "sparkplug lighthouse." It stands tall in Raritan Bay, near South Amboy, New Jersey. This lighthouse has been a guiding light for ships since it was built in 1880. It's so important to South Amboy that it has become a symbol for the city! In 2008, it was recognized as a historic place, added to both the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
What is the Great Beds Light?
The Great Beds Light is a unique lighthouse. It is known as a "sparkplug lighthouse" because of its shape. Imagine a tall, narrow tower sitting on a wider base. This design helps it stand strong in the water.
Where is it located?
This lighthouse is found in Raritan Bay. This bay is a part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is located off the coast of South Amboy, New Jersey. The lighthouse helps guide boats safely through the waters of Middlesex County, New Jersey.
When was it built?
The Great Beds Light was built a long time ago, in 1880. It started shining its light that same year. For many years, someone had to live in the lighthouse to keep the light working. In 1945, the lighthouse became automated. This means machines took over the job of keeping the light on.
Why is it important?
The Great Beds Light is more than just a lighthouse. It has become a symbol for the city of South Amboy. It represents the city's history and connection to the water. Because of its importance, it was added to two special lists in 2008. These are the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. Being on these lists means it is a protected historic site.
How does a lighthouse work?
Lighthouses like the Great Beds Light have a very important job. They help ships find their way, especially at night or in bad weather. They shine a bright light that sailors can see from far away.
The light's features
The Great Beds Light uses a special lens called a "Fourth order Fresnel lens." This type of lens was invented a long time ago. It helps to make the light very bright and focused. This allows the light to be seen up to 6 nautical miles away. The light flashes red every 6 seconds. This unique pattern helps sailors know it's the Great Beds Light.
What is it made of?
The lighthouse stands on a strong base called a "caisson." This is like a big, watertight box that was sunk into the seabed. The tower itself is made of cast iron. This material is very strong and can stand up to harsh weather. The tower is white, and its base is black. The very top, where the light shines, is also black.
