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The Absecon Lighthouse standing at 171 feet is ranked as the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third tallest lighthouse in the U.S. This lighthouse was constructed only after Jonathan Pitney, known as “the father of Atlantic City” convinced the U.S. Lighthouse Service to build the coast guide for sailing vessels of the mid-19th century. The lighthouse is located in the high dunes of Absecon Island and its construction started in 1855 and was completed in 1857.
Facts
- The white light of the lighthouse was visible at 19.5 nautical miles from the sea,
- A special 36-plate Fresnel lens built in Paris was used to magnify its kerosene-fueled flames.
- The first incandescent oil vapor lamps was lit in 1910 and later on in 1925 switched to electricity.
- The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1933 and lit for only a brief time in 1954 to celebrate the centennial of Atlantic City.
- The beacon remained dark until 1963 when it was re-lit for New Jersey's Tercentenary year.
- Later in 1970 and 1971 the lighthouse was placed on both New Jersey's and the National Register of Historic places
- In 1988, the Inlet Public / Private Association (IPPA) was formed to restore the lighthouse.
- To reach the top visitors have to take a 228-step walk from where they can have spectacular views on all sides.
- The lighthouse houses the keeper's house, an educational museum and a charming gift shop.
Timings: September-June: Thursday-Monday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. July-August: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Admission Fees: Adults: $7; Seniors (ages 60 & over): $5; Children (ages 4-12): $4; Children (under age 4): Free
Contact Information
31 South Rhode Island Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 449-1360
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