Name and Location

The Hereford Inlet Light, also known as the North Wildwood Lighthouse, is a historic navigation aid located at the northern entrance to Hereford Inlet on the Jersey Shore. Its address is 111 N. Central Avenue, North Wildwood, Cape May County, New Jersey 08260, USA. The coordinates are 39°00′24.5″ N, 74°47′29.5″ W (Decimal: 39.0068083, -74.7915294).

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was authorized by Congress and constructed in 1874 by the U.S. Lighthouse Board. It is one of only two surviving Victorian wood-frame lighthouses in New Jersey. The lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP No. 77000859, criteria A & C) since September 20, 1977.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Hereford Inlet Light is a Late Victorian wooden tower attached to a keeper's dwelling. It features wood-frame construction clad in shiplap siding on a granite foundation. The tower stands at 17.4 meters above its base, with the focal plane approximately 17.4 meters above mean high water. The original cast-iron and glass lantern room is still intact.

4. Light and Navigation

The official light list reference is U.S. Light List "LLNR 90". The characteristic is flashing white once every 10 seconds (Fl W 10 s). The range is approximately 18 nautical miles. The lighthouse has been fully automated and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard as an active aid to navigation.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The lightstation museum interprets coastal navigation, maritime history, and local ecology. Visitors can access the grounds and keeper's quarters seasonally (April – October). Guided tower climbs are often available. On-site facilities include a small exhibit room, gift shop, interpretive panels, and restrooms. Admission is subject to change, with modest fees for children and group tours by reservation.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, Hereford Inlet channel, and the Wildwood Crest shoreline. It is situated adjacent to Hereford Inlet County Park, which features dunes, picnic facilities, and beach access. Nearby attractions include the Wildwood Boardwalk (2 mi south) and Cape May Point State Park (7 mi south).

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore are currently available for this lighthouse.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for the optics and electrical systems, while the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry manages the site. The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Society (non-profit) is responsible for the museum, tours, and events.

9. Further Information

• Official website: https://herefordinletlighthouse.com/
• National Register nomination: NPS, https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=8b6780ee-...
• LighthouseFriends entry: https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=388
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hereford_Inlet_Light