« Tour the New Tampa Bay History Center | Home | Step back in time at Mystic Seaport »
The first Lighthouse of the New Jersey Shore
By carlvaleri | September 23, 2009
A cool breeze blows across the beach towards rolling shallow sand dunes. A brilliant sun scatters shards of shimmering light off the Atlantic Ocean. Tall sailing ships cut through the water spraying white sea foam from their bow.
Standing atop a wooden observation deck at Sandy Hook, New Jersey my vision of tall ships and large white sails is suddenly interrupted. A blast from the horn of a huge oil tanker as it lumbers past was a rude awakening from my daydream.
The view of the Manhattan Skyline has changed dramatically since the days when Henry Hudson sailed up the river towards New York. Large oil tankers, container ships, tall buildings, and huge bridges replace the trees and sailing ships of long ago.
Guiding ships to safe harbor
Many ships sank along the east coast due to the lack of maps and navigational aids. The invention of the lighthouse has prevented many vessels from sinking by guiding ships to safe harbor and out of harms way.
Marking New York City’s lower Manhattan Bay and the beginning of New Jerseys Raritan Bay is a bone white lighthouse with a bright red cupola. In 1764 the octagonal Sandy Hook Lighthouse was lit, helping guide ships at sea into New York Harbor.
Sandy Hook Light was a lone sentinel for over a century until Fort Hancock was established in the 1890’s. Strong concrete military batteries housed large cannons to protect the harbor from foreign invasion. The cannons gave way to Nike missiles and was finally decommissioned in 1972.
Beach, Birding, Boating and Biking
Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Fort Hancock are now part of the Gateway National Park. The park has a wonderful beach and is a perfect spot to have a picnic while watching the many ships arriving into New York Harbor. Although motorized boats are not allowed, there are many who enjoy the kayaking, sail boarding, and kite surfing at this windy beach location.
Many migratory birds visit the sandy beaches where the New Jersey Audubon Society has set up and observatory. They have many helpful guides for bird watchers on their website and have an office set up in one of the historic buildings at Fort Hancock.
Eat at historic Bahrs Landing.
After a day of exploring, the perfect backdrop for a meal is the rapidly flowing Navesink River. Hours can be spent watching the many small boats navigating the strong river current which culminates in a dramatic docking as the boats are pushed away from the wooden piers. Boaters must be careful in tying their vessel to the dock preventing the boat from being swept away by the rapid current.
The best place to enjoy the always entertaining river activities is in the glass enclosed dining room at Bahrs Restaurant on the Navasink River. Great seafood, wonderful atmosphere, and very friendly service is the reason Bahrs is my favorite restaurant near Sandy Hook.
Dating back to 1917 Bahrs has a storied history having survived many storms and the great depression. This historic landmark is one of the oldest family restaurants in the country and is a must see while visiting the area. You will see many pictures of famous people along the walls. Cast and crew from the Sopranos where often photographed dining at Bahrs during the filming of the 2002 season finale.
Planning your visit
One of my favorite places to walk, Sandy Hook has everything I enjoy; a sandy beach, biking/walking trails, a lighthouse, and a historic fort. The park has an entrance fee of $10 during the season, Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the parking lots fill quickly during this time of year so some come early.
Plan your visit during the weekend if you want to explore the inside of both the lighthouse and batteries. The off season is one of my favorite times to visit Sandy Hook since I often have the beach to myself for and afternoon stroll. This park is open all year and is enjoyable in every season. I particularly like the winter when I get to see snow on the beach.
For More Information:
Sandy Hook at Gateway National Recreation Area
New Jersey Audubon Sandy Hook Observatory
Further Reading:
Topics: Lighthouse, New Jersey, Sandy Hook, United States | 2 Comments »
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Anne wrote via e-mail
“I don’t remember seeing anything about the house on Officers Row that you can visit. Is it they still there?”
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
The History House is still open on Officers’ Row. It is open on weekends.
I hope to visit Officers’ Row soon. I’ll have pictures and and update so stay tuned.
You can find more information by click on the link above to the Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area.