Absecon Lighthouse

First lit on January 15, 1857, The Abescon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey. It remains the only lighthouse in New Jersey with its original first-order Fresnel Lens still in place at the top. The first lighting occurred with a mineral oil (kerosene) flame focusing through a huge 36-plate, First-Order Fresnel lens made in Paris, especially for Absecon Lighthouse. The white light shone 19.5 nautical miles out to sea. Although Absecon Lighthouse was officially decommissioned in 1933, the lens is lit every evening for people to enjoy its beauty.

The lighthouse stands 171 feet tall with 240 steps and is the third tallest masonry lighthouse in the US. The Tower was opened to the public in 1999. Restoration of the historic two-acre site was completed in 2003, making the Lighthouse and grounds accessible to the visiting public. Exhibitions in the Keeper’s House provide access to rare historic photographs and offer an overview of the history of Absecon Lighthouse and its restoration. An extensive calendar of special events attracts new and repeat visitors.