The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, located about one and a half statute miles inland from the tip of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. It was designed and built on June 11, 1764 by Isaac Conro.
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As America's oldest continuously operating lighthouse, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse offers an incredibly rich and tangible connection to our nation's past. Built in 1764, over a decade before the Declaration of Independence, its robust, octagonal stone tower has weathered centuries of change, from the Revolutionary War to modern times. During the revolution, its beacon was captured and used by the British, even withstanding American cannon fire.
Visiting today, one can climb the 95 steps to the top and be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the New York Harbor, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding peninsula. The tours, often led by knowledgeable park rangers, are a highlight, bringing the fascinating history to life with stories of lighthouse keepers and military personnel. Guests can also explore the adjacent Keeper’s Quarters, which now functions as a museum and visitor center, further illuminating the area's maritime heritage. Standing proudly on the sand, this National Historic Landmark is a truly remarkable and beautiful sentinel of history.
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This is the oldest original lighthouse in The United States. It is absolutely beautiful, and the weather was perfect. You can see the skyline of New York City off in the distance. We had a strange experience, as the door was locked when we arrived. The Open flag was flying outside, the posted signs and the website all said that they were open, but the door was indeed locked. A few people left disappointed, and we were about to, as well. However, we saw a park ranger walking nearby and asked her why the lighthouse was closed during posted hours. She told us that it wasn't closed and told us the door might be stuck. But when she tried the door, she also found it to be locked. Thankfully, she had the key and unlocked it for us. We entered the building to find people inside milling about, and none of them seemed to have any problem getting in before us. Weird! Unfortunately, we were on a tight schedule and were not able to stay for the tours which began at 1pm....
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The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is a gem of history and definitely worth a visit! Built in 1764, it's the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. Best of all, admission is free, and you can take a guided tour to the top (available on a first-come, first-served basis). The climb is relatively easy with only 95 steps, plus a ladder at the very top to access the observation area.
The views from the top are fantastic, offering glimpses of the New York City skyline and the surrounding coastline. The nearby visitor center provides additional history about the lighthouse and the Sandy Hook area, which is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.
Parking is easy, and you can explore nearby beaches and walking trails after your visit. The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, adding a lot to the experience. Highly recommend stopping by if you're...
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