Sandy Hook Lighthouse

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on a barrier spit in Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States.

History

• Construction of the lighthouse began in 1764 and was completed in 1768. It has been an important aid to navigation for mariners tasked with guiding ships across the Sandy Hook bar for over three centuries.
• The Dutch called the area "Sant Hoek", which translates to "spit of land". Over time, the name evolved into "Hook" in English.

Architecture

The lighthouse stands at a height of 26.8 meters (88 feet) above sea level and has a focal height of approximately 43 meters (141 feet).

It is constructed from local stone and features a distinctive octagonal tower with a lantern room at the top.

The light source is a first-order Fresnel lens, which emits a white beam with a range of 19 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is equipped with a character "F", indicating that it is a fixed light.

The light exhibits an exhibition period of 24 hours, meaning it remains lit at all times.

Current Status

The lighthouse is currently operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and is an active aid to navigation.

It has been automated since its construction in 1768, with the lantern room no longer containing a human keeper.

Location and Accessibility

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is located on Hudson Road in Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

The site is easily accessible by car or public transportation, and most of Sandy Hook is owned and managed by the National Park Service as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Heritage Status

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, with a reference number of 80002505.

It has also been designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) and is considered an important cultural and historical resource.

Notable Historical Events

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse has played a significant role in maritime history, particularly during the 19th century when it was used to guide ships into New York Harbor.

The lighthouse has also been featured in various media outlets, including films and television shows.