ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE
First lighted in 1857, the Absecon Lighthouse has contributed in the history of New Jersey. The idea came from Dr. Jonathan Pitney, “Father of Atlantic City,” because of his willingness to promote the city through a lighthouse. Pitney prepared records but was not justified based on Commodore La Vallete’s assessment. La Vallete was dispatched by the Lighthouse service to check if a lighthouse is necessary. However, between the years 1857 and 1856, 64 ships were lost off Absecon Beach.
It took a long time when Congress finally approved the petition and they released $35,000 budget for the lighthouse in 1854. But in 1933, due to the development of houses and tall buildings in the city, the lighthouse became inactive with its navigational aid function because the taller buildings blocked the light coming from it. Today, the light still functions and it is primarily for tourist attractions.
Visitors may get overwhelmed with the 171 feet lighthouse and its 228 steps. But it is a climbable lighthouse with a little uneasy feeling going up but a calming breeze awaits at the top for every successful visitor. The Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest in New Jersey and the third tallest in America. It still uses the First Order Fresnel lens, the largest of its kind, which was first used when it was first built. The design was made by Lieutenant George G. Meade who later on fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and defeated General Lee.
Be amazed with the impressive view of jersey shore at the Absecon Lighthouse located at the Rhode Island and Pacific Avenues in Atlantic City.
First lighted in 1857, the Absecon Lighthouse has contributed in the history of New Jersey. The idea came from Dr. Jonathan Pitney, “Father of Atlantic City,” because of his willingness to promote the city through a lighthouse. Pitney prepared records but was not justified based on Commodore La Vallete’s assessment. La Vallete was dispatched by the Lighthouse service to check if a lighthouse is necessary. However, between the years 1857 and 1856, 64 ships were lost off Absecon Beach.
It took a long time when Congress finally approved the petition and they released $35,000 budget for the lighthouse in 1854. But in 1933, due to the development of houses and tall buildings in the city, the lighthouse became inactive with its navigational aid function because the taller buildings blocked the light coming from it. Today, the light still functions and it is primarily for tourist attractions.
Visitors may get overwhelmed with the 171 feet lighthouse and its 228 steps. But it is a climbable lighthouse with a little uneasy feeling going up but a calming breeze awaits at the top for every successful visitor. The Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest in New Jersey and the third tallest in America. It still uses the First Order Fresnel lens, the largest of its kind, which was first used when it was first built. The design was made by Lieutenant George G. Meade who later on fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and defeated General Lee.
Be amazed with the impressive view of jersey shore at the Absecon Lighthouse located at the Rhode Island and Pacific Avenues in Atlantic City.
