BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE

• Latitude: 39.7624
• Longitude: -74.1076
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

Barnegat Lighthouse, often referred to as "Old Barney," is situated on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County, New Jersey. While it is a prominent historical and navigational landmark, it is important to clarify that Barnegat Lighthouse itself is not a marine port but a significant coastal lighthouse serving maritime navigation.

Here are key details and specifications about Barnegat Lighthouse:

General Information

• Location: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Long Beach Island, New Jersey, USA.
• Coordinates: Approximately 39.7633° N latitude and 74.1057° W longitude.
• Established: The original lighthouse was lit in 1835. The current structure was completed in 1859.

Physical Specifications

• Height: 165 feet (50 meters).
• Focal Height: 172 feet (52 meters) above sea level.
• Structure: The lighthouse is a cone-shaped tower made of brick and granite.
• Color Scheme: Red brick on the upper part and white on the lower third.

Navigational Features

• Light Characteristic: The light is a fixed white light.
• Lens: Originally equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, it has been replaced over time with modern lighting equipment.
• Range: The light can be seen from about 22 nautical miles (approximately 41 kilometers) on a clear night.

Accessibility and Operations

• Management: The lighthouse is managed by the State of New Jersey and is part of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.
• Public Access: Visitors can access the lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views of Barnegat Bay, Long Beach Island, and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Operating Hours: Typically open daily during the summer and on weekends during the off-season. Hours may vary, so it is advisable to check with the state park for current visiting hours.

Historical Significance

• Navigational Aid: Historically, Barnegat Lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships through the dangerous Barnegat Inlet, which is notorious for difficult navigation conditions due to shifting sandbars and strong currents.
• Restoration: The lighthouse has undergone several restorations to preserve its structural integrity and historical value.

Facilities and Amenities

• Visitor Center and Museum: Features exhibits about the lighthouse’s history, maritime navigation, and the local environment.
• Park Trails: Trails throughout the state park offer opportunities for bird watching and exploring natural habitats.
• Fishing/Boating: The nearby Barnegat Inlet is popular for fishing, boating, and other maritime activities.

Importance for Maritime Navigation

While primarily a historical landmark today, Barnegat Lighthouse remains a symbolic beacon and still assists in navigation for vessels entering and leaving Barnegat Bay and the adjacent coastal waters.

Nearby Maritime Facilities

• Barnegat Inlet: Located close to the lighthouse, this inlet is used extensively by commercial and recreational vessels. However, the inlet itself can be treacherous due to its shifting sands and should be navigated with caution.
• Marinas: There are several marinas and boat launches available in the surrounding areas for services such as docking, refueling, and repairs.

Visitors to the Barnegat Lighthouse can enjoy a mix of historical education and recreational activities, all while experiencing the natural beauty of this coastal region.