Navesink Twin Lights facts for kids
| Location | Highlands, New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°23′46.4″N 73°59′8.8″W / 40.396222°N 73.985778°W |
| Year first constructed | 1862 |
| Year first lit | 1862 |
| Automated | 1949 |
| Deactivated | 1898 (north tower); 1952 (south tower) north tower relit in 1962 |
The Navesink Twin Lights is a famous old lighthouse and museum. It is in Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey, in the United States. This special place looks out over Sandy Hook Bay, the entrance to New York Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The name "Twin Lights" means there are two beacons. They stand 246 feet (75 m) above the sea on the high land of the Navesink Highlands.
In 1962, the state of New Jersey took over the Twin Lights. Today, it is a museum where you can take tours. You can even climb the North Tower! The Twin Lights are listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places. In 2006, they became a National Historic Landmark. This was because of their unique design and their role in making lighthouses better.
The Twin Lights State Historic Site is also part of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route.
Contents
History of the Twin Lights
A lighthouse has stood at this spot since 1828. It was a very important guide for ships. These ships were trying to find their way into the busy New York Harbor. The waters near the harbor entrance could be dangerous.
Building the Current Lighthouse
The lighthouse you see today was built in 1862. It has two towers that look a bit different from each other. At night, one light flashed and the other stayed steady. This helped sailors know exactly where they were. They could tell they were getting close to the harbor.
Important Firsts at Twin Lights
The Navesink Twin Lights was the first American lighthouse to test a special kind of lens. This was called a Fresnel lens. This lens made the light much brighter and easier to see from far away.
The site was also famous for another reason. In 1899, Marconi showed off his new wireless telegraph here. This was a huge step forward in communication! Today, you can see a special bi-valve Fresnel lens on display in the museum.
Changes Over Time
The light in the north tower was turned off in 1898. At the same time, the south tower became one of the first lighthouses in the United States to use electricity.
In 1949, the south tower light became automated. This meant it could run without people there all the time. However, its importance decreased, so the light was turned off in 1952.
In 1962, the Borough of Highlands gave the site to the state of New Jersey. A group called the Shrewsbury Power Squadron put a smaller lens in the north tower. They gave it to the town, and the north tower light was turned back on. It is still active today as a private aid to navigation.
