Historic Barnegat Lighthouse Restoration Near Completion
(BARNEGAT) - Standing at the base of one of the state’s best known landmarks and a veteran of nearly 100 years of service to seafarers, Governor James E. McGreevey today visited Barnegat Lighthouse to celebrate the site’s restoration and repainting and emphasize the need to preserve historic treasures that contribute to the character and quality of life in New Jersey’s communities.
“Old Barney and other historic sites located throughout the state contribute to the character of New Jersey and their preservation is key to telling future generations the tale of our historically rich past,” said McGreevey. “More than 100,000 people visit Barnegat Lighthouse each year and its restoration will ensure its place as a well loved New Jersey landmark.”
In April 2003, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) began a $500,000 restoration of Barnegat Lighthouse that included the repainting of the historic tower and other minor restorations. As a precaution, the lighthouse has been closed to the public during the restoration with a 150-foot safety fence placed around the surrounding area.
The restoration work is near completion and the lighthouse will re-open to visitors in September for the fall visitor’s season. The Barnegat Lighthouse tower was last closed for renovations and structural repairs in 1988 and was reopened in 1991.
“Barnegat Lighthouse played a key role in New Jersey’s navigational history and its restoration and continued public access to the site is important to the state’s residents and tourists alike,” said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. “The lighthouse is one of many treasures that make New Jersey’s coast a premier destination.”
Continuing his commitment to preserve New Jersey’s quality of life and ensure smart growth, on July 30, 2003, Governor James E. McGreevey further invested in the state’s historic properties by signing legislation allocating $11.3 million to the New Jersey Historic Trust to fund 60 historic preservation sites all over the state.
In addition, in 2003 more than $3 million dollars in improvements have been completed at state historic sites, including exterior restorations at Twin Lights in Monmouth County, improvements to Ringwood and Skylands manors in Passaic County, the renovation of the Proprietary House, Middlesex County, and the recent restoration of the general store in Allaire State Park’s historic village, Monmouth County. An additional $6 million is being invested in historic site improvements at Liberty State Park’s Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal and $1.7 million for ongoing restoration efforts at the historic Rockingham House in Somerset County - one of New Jersey’s key Revolutionary War landmarks.
Barnegat Lighthouse stands on the south side of Barnegat Inlet, and by climbing the tower’s 217 steps visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Island Beach State Park, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island.
Barnegat Lighthouse was placed into service in 1856. The site of Barnegat Lighthouse on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County was regarded as one of the most crucial "change of course" points for coastal vessels. Vessels bound to and from New York along the New Jersey coastline depended on Barnegat Lighthouse to avoid the shoals extending from the shoreline. The swift currents, shifting sandbars, and the offshore shoals challenged the skills of even the most experienced sailor.
In 1927, Barnegat Lighthouse and surrounding land were transferred to the State of New Jersey and the lighthouse was decommissioned. The U.S. Lighthouse Service reserved the right to maintain a light for navigation. During World War II, the lighthouse was used as a lookout tower for enemy ships by the U.S. Coast Guard. In January 1944, it was taken out of service. The site was returned to New Jersey in 1946 and five years later it was designated a state park.
In addition to its historic tower, the panoramic views and public recreational access along the inlet, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park contains one of the last remnants of maritime forest in New Jersey. The forest, which is dominated by black cherry, eastern red cedar and American holly, is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds on their long journey to and from their breeding sites. A short self-guided trail leads through the forest.
Normal visiting hours at the lighthouse are Memorial Day through Labor Day 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. The spring and fall hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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