Lighthouse
History |
August
2002
|
Americans
built the first lighthouses in the United States before the
American Revolution. The first lighthouse was built in 1716
in Massachusetts. The colonists depended on ships for things
like travel, food, and trade.
When
the British ruled America, colonies built their own lighthouses.
Each colony picked the location, raised the money, and built
the lighthouse. Lighthouses were important because they prevented
many shipwrecks. After the American Revolution, the federal
government took control of building lighthouses.
For
the next one hundred years, lighthouses continued to be very
important. They helped America grow and develop. Ships could
bring supplies from different parts of the country safely and
easily.
During
World War II, German submarines, called U-boats, came up the
coast of New Jersey and into the Delaware Bay. Lighthouses
shut off their lights so the U-boats couldn’t see where
rocks and sandbars were. This made it harder for them to come
near the shore.
Coast
Guard officers patrolled beaches and used lighthouses like
Barnegat and Sea Girt to keep watch. The Coast Guard officers
reported any activity or fighting they saw off the coast.
Today
lighthouses still shine as a beacon. There are not as many
working lighthouses because fewer are needed. Many lighthouses
in New Jersey that do not work are open to the public. For
more information, visit the New
Jersey Lighthouse Society.
Next: Barnegat
Lighthouse
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