Barnegat Lighthouse, Barnegat Light, New Jersey

Barnegat Lighthouse, Barnegat Light, New Jersey

            Barnegat Lighthouse, also known as "Old Barney", is a landmark that holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially those who love the shore. Old Barney, the second tallest lighthouse in the United States, is located in the borough of Barnegat Light, New Jersey on the northern end of Long Beach Island. First built in 1835, the original lighthouse was commissioned with a $6,000 appropriation by the United States Congress. Twenty years later, in 1855, Lt. George Meade (famed Union General of the American Civil War) was assigned to design a new tower because of his previous work with the Absecon Light. After completing his plans for construction in 1855, the tower began construction one year later. The original tower, however, was threatened by dangerous and severe currents from the ocean and inlet. It later fell to the sea in late 1857. Lt. Meade's new tower would be about four times as big as the original and would cost close to $40,000 to complete. Finished and standing firm on the shores of New Jersey, the lighthouse was commissioned January 1, 1859. The tower, lit for the first time, became a crucial part of maritime navigation off the coast of the Garden State.

Barnegat Lighthouse c.1920

With its light about 165 feet above sea level, the Barnegat Lighthouse led ships to safety from the sea until August of 1927 when a lightship was anchored 8 miles off the coast. While the tower remained, its light was reduced immensely, almost by 80%. Finally, the light of Old Barney was deactivated in January of 1944. Immediately after its deactivation, the lighthouse was given to the state of New Jersey so that the public could enjoy its pure beauty. The original lens was brought back to the township and is on display at the museum. In 1957, the land surrounding the lighthouse was declared a state park and dedicated to the history of such an amazing landmark. Fourteen years later, the Barnegat Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, efforts to raise money in order to reactivate the light began. Around October of that year, enough money had been raised and a new light (one significantly smaller than the original light) was installed. On the 150th anniversary of its activation, the lighthouse was lit once again for the first time since 1944. The light now shines every night from dusk until dawn, serving as a warm reminder of the times when Old Barney once safely guided ships to port.



View from the top of Old Barney

Today Barnegat Lighthouse stands at the northern end of Long Beach Island and at the south side of Barnegat Inlet. The current tower stands at 172 feet. To climb the steep lighthouse to the top, one must endure 217 steps. Once at the top, one can see for miles. To the south, the view of Long Beach Island spans the horizon. Barnegat Peninsula (Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Ortley Beach, etc.) is visible from the north side of the tower, to the east the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west Barnegat Bay as well as the mainland.



One of the many landings on the way up to the top of Old Barney



Barnegat Lighthouse is one of the many wonders that grace the shores of New Jersey. The Jersey shore is my favorite place in the Garden State so I think it would be safe to expect a great deal of posts that focus on the shore and the great history that can be found here. Until next time...