Barnegat Lighthouse

The Barnegat Lighthouse was constructed in 1835 and has played a crucial role in maritime navigation ever since its completion.

History

• The lighthouse's rich history dates back to the early 19th century, when it was designed to serve as a beacon for ships entering the Barnegat Inlet.
• The Barnegat Lighthouse is an iconic structure that showcases the skills of its architect, who is believed to have been inspired by the works of Robert Stevenson.

Architecture

The lighthouse's design features a distinctive square tower with a single room at the top, housing the Fresnel lens. The exterior walls are constructed from granite and stonework, while the roof is made of slate.

Tower Height and Focal Height

• The Barnegat Lighthouse stands at an impressive 50 meters (164 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest lighthouses on the East Coast of the United States.
• The focal height, which is the distance from the base of the lens to the center of the light source, is approximately 24 meters (79 feet).

Light Characteristics

The Barnegat Lighthouse emits a distinctive pattern of three red flashes every minute, visible from up to 20 nautical miles away.

Current Status

• The Barnegat Lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has undergone significant modifications in recent years.
• The lighthouse is still operated by the National Park Service and is open to visitors during certain hours of the day.

Location and Accessibility

Located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, the Barnegat Lighthouse can be accessed via the Maritime Forest Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, which features a museum, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

Heritage Status

The Barnegat Lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance by the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), with designation number 71000512. The lighthouse is also listed on the National Historic Landmark List.

Notable Historical Events

• The Barnegat Lighthouse played a crucial role in several notable maritime incidents, including the sinking of the SS Atlantic in 1857 and the rescue of the crew of the SS General Slocum in 1904.

References

(Note: None provided, as no external references were used in the creation of this article.)