Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Year Built

1764

Cost

£3,000 ($3,908)

Type

Octagonal

Height

103 feet

Location

Sandy Hook

Automated Year

1965

First Lit

1764

Lens Type

Third order Fresnel lens

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

White w/red lantern

Last Keeper - Date

Hugo R. Carlson (1938 – 1941)

Description

The lighthouse is owned by the National Park Service. Grounds open. Tower is open in season.

Brief History

•  On March 13, 1761, forty-three prominent New York merchants successfully petitioned Caldweller Colden, President of His Majesty’s Council of New York, for a lighthouse to mark the entrance to New York Harbor.
•  Almost two years after the State of New York ratified the U.S. Constitution, the lighthouse was transferred to federal authority.
•  In 1857, the lighthouse underwent a major refurbishing. A red brick lining was installed to reinforce the rubblestone walls, and a spiral iron staircase replaced the worn, wooden one.
•  In the 1890s, the peaceful life the keepers enjoyed on Sandy Hook was changed forever when Fort Hancock was created near the lighthouse and massive concrete gun batteries were placed nearby to defend the entrance to New York Harbor.
•  In 1990, the U.S. Postal Service issued a 25 cent stamp featuring the Sandy Hook Lighthouse.