After a long journey across the Atlantic, mariners bound for New York Harbor welcomed the sight of the Barnegat Lighthouse lighting the way. It was constructed in 1834 as a navigational aid to guard Barnegat Inlet. Twenty years later, it was reported to be in poor condition. By 1856 shore erosion caused the lighthouse and keepers cottage to topple into the water. Construction of a replacement lighthouse began almost immediately and was operational by January 1, 1859. However, its life expectancy was also considered limited because of the constant threat of erosion. Project engineer George G. Meade, however, was determined that it would last. In 1927 the light was put out of service and replaced by the “Lightship Barnegat” stationed eight miles offshore. After nearly a century of enduring the winds and ravages of the sea, the lighthouse and surrounding 32 acres were designated a State Park in 1951. The name Barnegat evolved from the Dutch word Barendegat, meaning “place of the breakers,” and was applied to the treacherous shoals separating Long Beach Island and Island Beach to the north. The perilous conditions around these shoals, and the loss of the former tower in 1856, prompted engineers to construct a more substantial tower a quarter of a mile from the inlet in a more protected location.
