Transportation
2
When the Sandy Hook Lighthouse was built in 1764, ships entered New York Harbor through a natural channel that ran close to the Sandy Hook shore. Sandbars were a constant danger, and New York merchants built the lighthouse to protect their shipping interests. The light remains part of the system of navigational aids that guide ships through the harbor. In its early days, the tower was lighted by whale oil lamps and mirrors that reflected the lamps’ lights. Kerosene later replaced whale oil, the mirrors were replaced in 1857 with the Fresnel lens still in use today, and the tower was electrified in the 1920s.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
New Jersey · United States
