They were storage rooms that held tools,  implements and fuel for the lantern before the Oil House was built. The State of New Jersey leases the structure and grounds to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). The Cape May Lighthouse generally had one head lighthouse keeper and two assistants. Do you have what it takes to climb 199 spirited stairs to the top? Each year over 100,000 visitors climb the 199-steps to the top to take in the picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding areas. https://capemaywhalewatcher.com/a-brief-history-of-the-cape-may-lighthouses ​*Please note that some portions of this tour are not accessible. The park is generally open sunrise to sunset; Lighthouse hours for climbing vary with the season and are listed on our website or in “The Week in Cape May.”. [1] MAC raises funds for the restoration and upkeep of the structure and opens the lighthouse to the public for climbs to the top. Cape May Lighthouse & World War II Lookout Tower, *Discounted admissions available at Cape May Lighthouse or World War II Lookout Tower. Call 609-884-5404 (press 0) for reservations and further information.​. One of three tall seacoast lighthouses in New Jersey (the others being Absecon and Barnegat), the present lighthouse was built in 1859 and marks the entrance to the Delaware Bay. The lighthouse tower is 157 feet 6 inches tall, from the ground line to the ventilator ball on top. Cape May Lighthouse (Courtesy Coast Guard) The first documented lighthouse to mark the northern entrance to Delaware Bay was a 68 foot tall brick tower with a … Free admission to the activities, separate admission to climb the lighthouse. All areas of the park are “carry in, carry out” in regard to trash or recyclables; please do not litter. Just shy of 200 steps, climbing the lighthouse at Cape May Point is good exercise and a good history lesson. There are 199 steps to the top of the Lighthouse. The cost was $40,000. Make your own crafts, listen to songs of the sea, meet the lighthouse keepers, shop for nautical merchandise and more, all on the grounds of the Cape May Lighthouse. Cape May Point State Park. and is only lit when the inn is open i.e. The keeper also used one as a small office. The first was built in 1823; the second in 1847. The Brandywine Shoal Light is a lighthouse on the north side of the ship channel in Delaware Bay on the east coast of the United States, west of Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey, United States.It was the site of the first screw-pile lighthouse in the United States. (609)884-5404, Our Museum Shops will be closed for inventory the first week in January, therefore orders placed after 12/31/20 will not ship until 1/11/21. and River Lighthouses, Lightships and their Keepers." Cape May Municipality: Constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1859, the Cape May Lighthouse is the last in a series of lighthouses to occupy this site and is one of the country's oldest lighthouses in continuous operation. The lighthouse in what is now Cape May Point State Park has marked the entrance to the Delaware Bay since 1859. The beach is free but swimming is not allowed. The Lighthouse is located at Cape May Point State Park. Plenty of free parking. Photo about A view of the historic Cape May Lighthouse through a salt marsh on a foggy winter day. The lives saved by these lighthouses are countless both in history and on a daily basis. 1-United States Naval Air Station Wildwood, List of National Historic Landmarks in New Jersey, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cape_May_Lighthouse&oldid=983708530, Transportation buildings and structures in Cape May County, New Jersey, Lighthouses on the National Register of Historic Places in New Jersey, Tourist attractions in Cape May County, New Jersey, Articles using NRISref without a reference number, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Pages using infobox lighthouse with NRHP heritage, Pages using infobox lighthouse with NRHP embedded, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2015, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, place listed on the National Register of Historic Places, This page was last edited on 15 October 2020, at 19:58. The Oil House on the grounds contains a fully accessible Visitors’ Orientation Center and Museum Shop. There are six levels with landings where you can read the informational panels about the history of the Lighthouse and the surrounding area (and catch your breath, too!). "Our mission is to preserve the history of the Delaware Bay. Kids climb the Lighthouse for FREE! The exact locations of the first two lighthouses are now underwater due to erosion. Built in 1870 on the site of a previous structure, it stands 208 feet (63 metres) high and is the tallest masonry lighthouse in the country. 2018-10-09 08 35 20 View of Saint Mary by-the-Sea Retreat House and the Cape May Lighthouse from the beach in Cape May Point, Cape May County, New Jersey.jpg 4,032 × 3,024; 4.14 MB The Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859. The first known lighthouse at Cape May was built in 1823. In December, 1986, through special agreement with both the Coast Guard and the State of New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, the Cape May Lighthouse was leased to Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture). The lighthouse has also been re-painted in its original color scheme, in which the tower is a light beige and the lantern is red. The view from the top extends to Cape May City and Wildwood to the north, Cape May Point to the south, and, on a clear day, Cape Henlopen, Delaware, to the west. Admission to climb the lighthouse is $8 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). Cape May Lighthouse A visit to historic Victorian Cape May becomes even more memorable with a stop at Cape May Point State Park and the Cape May Lighthouse. Marine Safety In the 1980s, the Coast Guard began to lease historic lighthouses to local preservation groups who could preserve and restore these important structures. CAPE MAY LIGHT. There are 199 steps on the spiral staircase. The lighthouse was automated in 1946, and continues in operation to this day. But it's not all about the history. North Carolina joins the Confederacy. The Lighthouse is located in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township. Image of beach, lighthouse, jersey - 136770369 Towering 157.5 feet above the southernmost tip of the state, its distinctive beam flashes once every 15 seconds and is visible 24 miles out to sea. Walk the 199 steps up to the watch gallery for a panoramic view. The Cape May Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in the U.S. state of New Jersey at the tip of Cape May, in Lower Township's Cape May Point State Park. The State of New Jersey leases the structure and grounds to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). The national seashore includes three historic lighthouses, notably the one at Cape Hatteras. The Army Corps of Engineers began construction on the cape May Lighthouse in 1857. The United States Congress authorizes the construction of a lighthouse "… on or near the pitch of Cape Lookout." Once at the top, you can exit to the watch gallery and enjoy a breathtaking and panoramic view. More than 2.5 million visitors have climbed the lighthouse since it opened to the public in 1988. Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse is now owned by the Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse Friends with Director Jeff Stewart at the helm and will be eventually opened to the public for access to this historic light. The State of New Jersey owns the Lighthouse, but the Coast Guard maintains the beacon apparatus. The State Park offers many opportunities for nature lovers, including the Hawk Watch platform and well-developed and marked nature trails, and guided walks and programs are offered. 1804. One has since burned, but the other is still standing, on the other side of the fence, near the entrance to the tower. The lighthouse in what is now Cape May Point State Park has marked the entrance to the Delaware Bay since 1859. Cape May Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 12, 1973. History The first work of the new U.S. Federal government, the first Cape Henry lighthouse was built of Aquia and Rappahannock sandstone by John McComb Jr. and was completed in October, 1792. There are 217 steps from the ground to the top, with 199 steps in the tower's cast iron spiral staircase. [8], The top of the Cape May Lighthouse on July 4, 2005, The US and NJ flags at Cape May Lighthouse, The lighthouse seen from the Cape May cove, The view from the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on July 4, 2005, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities, National Register of Historic Places listings in Cape May County, New Jersey, "Inventory of Historic Light Stations -- New Jersey", "New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places - Cape May County", "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Cape May Lighthouse", "New Lower Township police cars roll in black and white", Cape May Lighthouse - Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities, Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Wildwood Historic District, New Asbury Methodist Episcopal Meeting House, Saint Peter's-By-The-Sea Episcopal Church, Hangar No. The Cape May Lighthouse is located in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township, New Jersey. Possessing one of the country's largest collections of 19th century framed buildings, Cape May is New Jersey's jewel in the crown. It was built in 1859 under the supervision of U.S. Army engineer William F. Raynolds, was automated in 1946, and is still operating to this day in Lower Township's Cape May Point State Park. [7] MAC has installed interpretive exhibits about the lighthouse's history, the lives of the former lighthouse keepers, and other maritime history of the Jersey Cape for visitors who climb. The goal for participants of the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey is to visit (and hopefully climb) all of New Jersey’s maintained lighthouses to share in the joy and beauty of our beloved navigational aids which represent a rich nautical history and stand as a testament to a level of engineering and quality that withstands the test of time. CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE The Cape May lighthouse was first lit in 1859 and eventually automated in 1946. Click here for applications. This 157 foot, 6 inch tall lighthouse located at the tip of Cape May, New Jersey, dates back to 1859 and remains active to the present. In 1821, Congress appropriated money for the construction of a lighthouse at Cape May Point, and that lighthouse was completed in October, 1823. The inside wall is a cylinder with 8.5-inch thick walls which support the spiral staircase. The Lighthouse actually has two separate walls. Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse is now owned by the Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse Friends with Director Jeff Stewart at the helm and will be eventually opened to the public for access to this historic light. Built in 1859, the current lighthouse used the original bricks of the 1847 lighthouse. For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House on the grounds contains a fully accessible Visitors’ Orientation Center and Museum Shop carrying souvenirs, books and maritime items. At the Lighthouse, you might even feel the presence of long-ago keepers. Every October, the Cape May Lighthouse is a participant in the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge, a statewide event. Cape May Lighthouse: Cape May History - See 2,066 traveler reviews, 929 candid photos, and great deals for Cape May, NJ, at Tripadvisor. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the light as an active aid to navigation. History of the Cape May Lighthouse. The Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859, and is the third fully documented lighthouse to be built at Cape May Point. Though no longer used as a navigation aid, it is a popular park attraction. Chronology of Coast Guard History Bibliography Collections. Women Minorities Auxiliary Reserves Keepers Biographies Units. ... May 20, 1861. Nearly 100,000 visitors a year now experience a visit to the top of the lighthouse, participating in a century old rite of a visit to the Jersey Shore. Within immediate view are Cape May Cove and Battery 223, a harbor defense battery originally built during World War II. The lighthouse originally contained a first order Fresnel lens. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Whether you choose to climb or stay below, you’ll surely enjoy an awesome experience. Today the lighthouse contains a reflector lens and a one thousand-watt bulb and continues operation under the Coast Guard. A rotating aero beacon replaced the historic lens. [citation needed], The tower is 157 feet 6 inches (48.01 m) tall, from the ground to the tower's cast iron spiral staircase. The outside wall is cone-shaped, and is 3 feet 10 inches (1.17 m) thick at the bottom, and 1 foot 6 inches (0.46 m) thick at the top. The outside wall is cone-shaped, and is 3 feet 10 inches thick at the bottom, and 1 foot 6 inches thick at the top. There is a museum with live reptiles and nature displays where information on park services is available, plus information on the history of the area and of the World War II Bunker, located on the beach. The fully-restored Oil House, near the base of the Lighthouse is home to a Museum Shop, as well as an orientation center for those who choose not to climb. MAC has installed interpretive exhibits about the lighthouse's history, the lives of the former lighthouse … In 1857, the Army Corps of Engineers began construction of the Cape May Lighthouse and the beacon was first lit on October 31, 1859. As the steward of four historic sites and the storyteller of more than 200 years of area history, Cape May MAC is well aware that, “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” There are 199 steps to the top of the Lighthouse. Cape May Municipality: Constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1859, the Cape May Lighthouse is the last in a series of lighthouses to occupy this site and is one of the country's oldest lighthouses in continuous operation. The Cape May Lighthouse is a lighthouse located at the tip of Cape May in New Jersey. Cape May Lighthouse / Lake Lily The Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park was built in 1859. Interested in becoming a vendor? [1] The exact locations of the first two lighthouses are now underwater due to erosion. It was built in 1859 under the supervision of U.S. Army engineer William F. Raynolds, was automated in 1946, and continues operation to this day. Cape May Lighthouse, New Jersey CAPE MAY LIGHTLocation: Cape May Point, on the southernmost point of New Jersey and the northern side of the entrance to … Station established: 1823 First lighthouse: a conical tower constructed in 1823 with a … The lighthouse is owned by the state of New Jersey after ownership was transferred from the Coast Guard in 1992, which maintains it as an active aid to maritime navigation. The inside wall is a cylinder with 8.5-inch-thick (220 mm) walls which support the spiral staircase. Yes. Admission to climb the lighthouse is $8 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). MAC raises funds for the restoration and upkeep of the structure and opens the lighthouse to the public for climbs to the top. The process of restoration took over 15 years (1987-2002), and was funded by nearly $2 million in grants, principally from the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Inter-Modal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) program, administered by the State Department of Transportation. General Eagle Bear Icebreakers Lightships Lifeboats & Small Craft Lighthouse & Buoy Tenders Facilities & Stations Missions. Cape May Lighthouse, New Jersey CAPE MAY LIGHTLocation: Cape May Point, on the southernmost point of New Jersey and the northern side of the entrance to Delaware Bay.Station established: 1823First In 1859, the second lighthouse was razed and the present lighthouse was constructed, a thousand feet further inshore. By 1847 a new lighthouse was erected on a high bluff, however, due to the encroaching sea and poor building design it was eventually dismantled. History Cape May Lighthouse The wind it blew from Sou'sou'east, It blew a pleasant breeze And the man upon the lookout cried: "A Light upon the lee!" Dismiss, Copyright 2020 Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture) | All Rights Reserved |. Posted/Updated by Bryan Penberthy on 2011-03-14.. The walls were designed to withstand winds several times above hurricane force. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse—the fee is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. Family friendly activities on the grounds are FREE! Take an evening trolley ride down the ghostly path that leads to the Cape May Lighthouse, as you hear about psychic medium Craig McManus’ paranormal findings. and River Lighthouses, Lightships and their Keepers." It is today a seasonal hotel. A special note, Cape May Lighthouse is operated as a museum, which you can climb, by the Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. In the 1940's the lens was removed from the tower, eventually it was put on display at the Cape May County Historical Museum in Cape May Court House. They carried the oil to the top of the tower every day to power the light, and kept the lens apparatus clean and in working order. The Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park was built in 1859. Cape May Lighthouse 215 Lighthouse Avenue (Rt. The present tower, which is the third documented lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey, has been an aid-to-navigation for mariners and attraction for visitors since it was built in 1859. Nestled on the tip of New Jersey sits the Cape May Lighthouse. Cape May Lighthouse. The 157-foot tall structure is actually the third lighthouse built in Cape May. The Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859, and is the third fully documented lighthouse to be built at Cape May Point. ABOUT | CONTACT US | LEADERSHIP | MEDIA  | READ OUR BLOG | ADVERTISE WITH US | ADA ACCESSIBILITY | PRIVACY POLICY, 1048 WASHINGTON ST. Visitors who climb the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse are rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Free admission to the grounds and activities; Kids climb the Lighthouse FREE with paying adult. Keepers’ pay averaged $600 a year around the turn of the 20th century. The 1st Cape May lighthousewas erected during 1823 and only lasted 24 years as the encroaching surf created foundation problems. It is said to be the 2nd oldest continually operating lighthouse in the United States. Celebrate National Lighthouse Day at the Cape May Lighthouse! The Lighthouse and Lake Lily are located at: County Route 629 and Lehigh Avenue Cape May Point, NJ … The first was built in 1823; the second in 1847. Cape May Point State Park. Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture) leases the Lighthouse from the State with the mission of restoring the structure and operating it as a historic site. There were two houses built right next to the Cape May Lighthouse around 1860 for the lighthouse keepers and their families. The metal gridwork is open, so you cannot climb in heels. Join Santa at the Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May Point State Park,  along with food, music, vendors and family-friendly activities. Take advantage of the light of the full moon and let it guide you up the 199 stairs to the starry top. [5], The Cape May Light is located in Lower Township, but is also a point of identity for Cape May Point as it uses the lighthouse as a logo for municipal-owned vehicles. Walk the 199 steps up to the watch gallery for a panoramic view. A special note, Cape May Lighthouse is operated as a museum, which you can climb, by the Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Aviation Cutters. CAPE MAY, NJ 08204 The Lighthouse and Lake Lily are located at: County Route 629 and Lehigh Avenue The state park offers many amenities for nature lovers and family fun. From its opening in May 1988, over 2.1 million people have paid to climb to the top. History Program Resources Research. To aid ships sailing the treacherous mid-channel of Delaware Bay, a series of lighthouses were constructed in the 19th Century and the early 20th Century. The first was built in 1823; the second in 1847. Bass River Light perfectly epitomizes the beauty of Cape Cod and it’s history. The view from the top extends to Cape May City and Wildwood to the north, Cape May Point to the south, and on a clear day, Cape Henlopen, Delaware, to the west. A lighthouse was built on Cape Henlopen, Delaware in 1767 to mark the southern side of the entrance to Delaware Bay, but remarkably a corresponding tower to mark the northern side was not constructed at Cape May Point until 1823. It is the third fully documented lighthouse to be built at Cape May Point. These lighthouses are not only dotting our shoreline, but also our waterways. A lighthouse’s flash pattern is called its “characteristic;” every lighthouse has its own light characteristic and exterior paint scheme (called a daymark) so that ship captains can tell them apart. [6], The lighthouse is owned by the state of New Jersey after ownership was transferred from the Coast Guard in 1992, which maintains it as an active aid to maritime navigation. Personnel. 626) Cape May Point 609.884.5404 www.capemaymac.org The third time was the charm…. The tower is 157 feet tall and there are 217 steps from the ground to the top. It is said to be the 2nd oldest continually operating lighthouse in the United States. However, the current lighthouse was not the first one at Cape May Point. The lighthouse has been dark for 75 years. It is said, during this time period, there were many shipwrecks along th… In 1857, the Army Corps of Engineers began construction of the Cape May Lighthouse and the beacon was first lit on October 31, 1859. The beacon of light has been guiding sailors since 1859. A non-profit organization headquartered at the Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May, Cape May MAC assumed the responsibility of restoring the lighthouse, interpreting it as a historic site and opening it to the public. It is the 3rd lighthouse to be constructed at Cape May Point, #NewJersey. Cape May Lighthouse, New Jersey . Climb the 199 steps to the top or enjoy the grounds and shop the many unique crafts vendors. They reported to the Captain and these words did he say - "Cheer up my sailor lads, Its the light on old Cape May. The Cape May Lighthouse State Park offers great birding and natural area to explore plus, amazing views of the ocean and the Cape May Area! The 2nd Cape May lighthousewas reportedly built during 1847 by local contractors and only lasted 12 years. There is documentation that shows that the English had intentions of building a lighthouse in the Cape May area dating back to 1785 when land was purchased from Thomas Hand II … It was approximately 68' in height. Up until a few years ago, some of the foundation of the 1847 tower could be seen on the beach in front of the present lighthouse. Summertime programming is offered to introduce visitors to the history of the Lighthouse and is free of charge. This lighthouse is owned and operated by the Lighthouse Inn on whose property the tower rises. The Cape May Lighthouse is located in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township, New Jersey. Discover Bunker At Cape May Point in Cape May, New Jersey: World War II bunker still standing on the New Jersey beach. Built in 1859, the Cape May Lighthouse is still an aid to navigation. Covered pavilions are available for picnicking, which must be reserved through the state park offices. Location: Cape May Point, on the southernmost point of New Jersey and the northern side of the entrance to Delaware Bay. The lighthouse was automated in 1936 and is still an active aid to navigation. between May 1st and October 31st. Artistic rendering of the first Cape Lookout lighthouse. In 2013, MAC celebrated the 25th anniversary of the opening of the lighthouse to the public for climbs. Although it was a very windy day, I felt adventurous and decided to visit the historic Cape May Lighthouse. Cape May Lighthouse. The last keeper of the lighthouse retired in the 1930s. In 1933, the lighthouse became automated with the use of electricity. The tower is 157’6” tall and there are 217 steps from the ground to the top. Mayors of the two municipalities previously had a conflict over in which municipality it was located. After some 25 years, beach erosion put the tower in water at high tide. Cape May MAC supervised the restoration of the lighthouse windows and doors, the addition of safety improvements, the restoration of the oil house which is at the entrance to the lighthouse grounds, the restoration of the lantern roof and windows, the interior walls and staircase, an archaeological investigation that located the original privies and walkways and the restoration of the grounds. "Our mission is to preserve the history of the Delaware Bay. Climbing the lighthouse has become an annual tradition for thousands of visitors. The Lighthouse was staffed by keepers who worked for the U.S. Lighthouse Service. After that, the beacon was automated, and the United States Coast Guard maintained the workings of the light. The lighthouse has two separate walls. The blame was put on poor construction, maintenance, and just an overall bad job. The state park offers many amenities for nature lovers and family fun. Lighthouse History Timeline. In 1976, the Cape May Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is abundant free parking for all types of vehicles, and rest rooms are available in the State Park buildings. There are 217 steps from the ground to the top, with 199 steps in the tower’s cast iron spiral staircase. The walls were designed to withstand winds several times above hurricane force. The light is visible 24 miles out to sea and flashes every 15 seconds. Entrance to the top first Lighthouse: a conical tower constructed in 1823 with a … of! Inn is open, so you can not climb in heels available in the United States 200! And Battery 223, a statewide event gallery for a panoramic view there 217! Surf created foundation problems not litter pitch of Cape May Point the charm… surely enjoy an awesome experience in. 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