History of the lighthouse
Last Visited: October, 2001 History/Info:
Off the tip of Sandy Hook, NJ, is the oldest working lighthouse in the country.
It was designed and built in 1764 by Isaac Conro. The light was built to aid mariners entering the southern end of the New York harbor. It was originally called New York Lighthouse because it was funded through a New York Assembly lottery and a tax on all ships entering the Port of New York. Sandy Hook Light has endured the occupancy of British soldiers during the Revolutionary War and exposure to the elements on the end of Sandy Hook. The view of the New York skyline from the bridge crossing into the Hook illustrates the importance this light played in the history of New York harbor.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse is part of Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook, NJ. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse was restored in Spring 2000
Source: Town on Monmouth
Hours:
The lighthouse is open for tours on weekends during May, June and July, and the grounds are open daily.