Name and Location

The Barnegat Lighthouse is located in Barnegat Light, New Jersey, United States. It has been guiding mariners since 1859.

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was designed by architect George Washington Gordon and constructed by the United States Lighthouse Board. It has a rich history, with notable events including a devastating storm in 1871 that damaged the lantern room, which was subsequently rebuilt.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Barnegat Lighthouse is made of brick with a limestone base and features a distinctive red-and-white striped exterior. The tower's design is typical of lighthouses built during the mid-19th century, with a cylindrical shape and a conical roof.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse exhibits a Fl(3)W.15s light characteristic, meaning it displays a flashing white light every 10 seconds. This light pattern was used to help mariners distinguish the lighthouse from other nearby beacons.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via the Maritime Forest Trail, which offers scenic walking paths through a maritime forest ecosystem. The trailhead is located near the intersection of Broadway and Bayshore Road in Barnegat Light. Today, the lighthouse serves as a museum and is open to visitors who can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding waters.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding waters, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Notable events include former President Franklin D. Roosevelt's visit in 1944. The lighthouse has also played host to other notable visitors over the years.

8. Technical and Operational Details

In 1955, the lighthouse was automated, replacing the need for manual operation by keepers.

9. Further Information

The Barnegat Lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance by the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under reference number 71000512.