Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Cape May Point, New Jersey. It was built in 1926 to guide ships safely through the waters of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse stands 59 feet tall and is made of reinforced concrete.

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is an iconic landmark that has been featured in many photographs and postcards. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to learn about the history of the area and enjoy the scenic views. The lighthouse is also an important navigational aid for ships and boats that pass through the area. Despite being automated in 1941, the lighthouse still serves as a vital warning system for mariners today.

Historical Background

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Cape May Point, New Jersey. It was built in 1926 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area. The lighthouse was constructed to help guide ships safely through the waters of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The lighthouse was built to replace an earlier structure that was destroyed by a storm in 1913. The new lighthouse was designed by Paul J. Pelz, a prominent architect who also designed the Library of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court building.

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a unique structure that stands out from other lighthouses in the area. It is a cylindrical tower made of reinforced concrete and stands 59 feet tall. The lighthouse is painted white, which makes it easy to spot from a distance.

Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several renovations and upgrades to keep it in good condition. It was automated in 1973, which meant that the lighthouse keeper was no longer needed to operate it. The lighthouse is still in operation today and continues to guide ships safely through the waters of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

In conclusion, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a historic and iconic structure that has played an important role in the maritime history of Cape May Point, New Jersey. Its unique design and rich history make it a must-see attraction for visitors to the area.

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Cape May Point, New Jersey. The lighthouse stands at a height of 59 feet and has a cylindrical shape. It was built in 1926 to replace the original lighthouse which was destroyed by a storm in 1920. The lighthouse is an iconic landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Architectural Design

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse has a unique architectural design that sets it apart from other lighthouses in the area. The lighthouse is made of reinforced concrete and has a cylindrical shape. The exterior of the lighthouse is painted white with a black lantern room at the top.

The lantern room is where the light is located and is made of cast iron. The light is visible for up to 19 miles and is a vital navigation aid for ships entering and leaving the Delaware Bay. The lantern room also houses the fog signal which is used during times of low visibility.

The lighthouse has a spiral staircase that leads to the lantern room. The staircase is made of cast iron and has 199 steps. The staircase is narrow and can be challenging to climb, but the view from the top is worth the effort.

In conclusion, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a unique and iconic landmark in Cape May Point, New Jersey. Its architectural design is impressive and sets it apart from other lighthouses in the area. The lighthouse has played a vital role in navigation for ships entering and leaving the Delaware Bay for almost a century.

Location and Surroundings

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is situated in Cape May Point, New Jersey, on the southern tip of the state. The lighthouse is located at the end of a long jetty, which extends out into the Atlantic Ocean. The location of the lighthouse makes it an important navigational aid for ships entering the Delaware Bay.

The surrounding area of the lighthouse is a popular destination for tourists. Cape May Point is a small town that is known for its beaches, birdwatching, and historical sites. Visitors can take a stroll along the beach or explore the nearby Cape May Point State Park, which offers hiking trails and picnic areas.

The lighthouse itself is surrounded by water, which makes it an ideal spot for fishing and boating. Visitors can rent boats and kayaks from nearby marinas and explore the waterways around the lighthouse.

In addition to its natural beauty, the surrounding area is also home to several historical sites. The nearby Cape May Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination and offers tours to visitors. The town of Cape May is also home to several historic homes and buildings, which are open to the public for tours.

Overall, the location and surroundings of the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse offer visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Cape May Point, New Jersey. This lighthouse was built in 1926 and is considered to be one of the most significant lighthouses in the United States.

Significance in Maritime Safety

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of ships and boats traveling along the coast of New Jersey. The lighthouse was built to mark the entrance to Delaware Bay and to warn ships of the dangerous shoals and sandbars that lay just offshore.

The lighthouse was equipped with a powerful beacon that could be seen from miles away, even in the worst weather conditions. This beacon helped guide ships safely into the harbor, even in the darkest of nights. In addition to the beacon, the lighthouse also had a foghorn that could be heard for miles, warning ships of the dangerous conditions that lay ahead.

Over the years, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse has become an important symbol of maritime safety and has been recognized as a historic landmark by the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse continues to serve as a beacon of hope for ships and boats traveling along the coast of New Jersey, and it remains a testament to the importance of safety in the maritime industry.

Tourist Attraction

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a must-see tourist attraction in Cape May Point, New Jersey. This historic lighthouse was built in 1926 and stands at 59 feet tall. It is located at the end of Sunset Boulevard, which offers stunning views of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the lighthouse and learn about its rich history and significance to the area. The tour includes a climb up the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

In addition to the lighthouse tour, visitors can also explore the surrounding area and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The nearby beach offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. There are also several hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.

Overall, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a fascinating tourist attraction that offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Cape May Point. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, this lighthouse is definitely worth a visit.

Description: Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Cape May Point, New Jersey. The lighthouse was built in 1926 and is situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, where it has guided ships for nearly a century. The lighthouse stands 59 feet tall and is made of steel and concrete.

Preservation Efforts

Efforts to preserve the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse began in the 1990s. The lighthouse had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being demolished. A group of concerned citizens formed the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Preservation Society to raise funds and awareness for the restoration of the lighthouse.

In 2002, the Society was successful in having the lighthouse added to the National Register of Historic Places. This designation helped to secure funding for the restoration of the lighthouse. The restoration work included repairing the exterior and interior of the lighthouse, as well as installing a new lantern room and lens.

Today, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is open for tours and serves as a museum and educational center. The lighthouse is also used as a navigational aid for ships entering the Delaware Bay. The preservation efforts of the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Preservation Society have ensured that this historic landmark will continue to guide ships and inspire visitors for generations to come.

Impact on Cape May Point Community

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse has had a significant impact on the Cape May Point community since its construction in 1926. The lighthouse was built to provide a safe haven for ships navigating the treacherous waters off the coast of New Jersey. Over the years, it has become an important landmark for the community and a popular tourist attraction.

One of the most significant impacts of the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is on the local economy. The lighthouse attracts thousands of visitors each year, who come to see the historic structure and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area. This has led to the development of several businesses in the area, including restaurants, hotels, and gift shops, which cater to tourists.

The lighthouse has also played a role in the community's history. During World War II, the lighthouse was used as a lookout tower by the U.S. Coast Guard, who were tasked with protecting the coast from enemy ships. Today, the lighthouse is maintained by the Cape May County Museum and is open to the public for tours and events.

In addition to its economic and historical significance, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is also an important cultural landmark for the Cape May Point community. It serves as a symbol of the area's maritime heritage and is a source of pride for many residents.

Overall, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse has had a positive impact on the Cape May Point community, both economically and culturally. Its unique history and scenic location make it a valuable asset to the area, and it will likely continue to play an important role in the community for many years to come.