This Week's GACCA Spotlight: Absecon Lighthouse

Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association
5 days ago
3 min read

By Judy Felicetta, GACCA Communications Director

Events Director, Blue Dog Hospitality Group

The Absecon Lighthouse, situated at the northern terminus of Atlantic City, New Jersey, overlooks Absecon Inlet. Standing at a towering height of 171 feet, it holds the distinction of being the tallest lighthouse in the state of New Jersey and the third-tallest masonry lighthouse in the United States!

Following a decade of advocacy by Jonathan Pitney, widely regarded as the “father” of Atlantic City, the United States Lighthouse Service secured a $35,000 appropriation from Congress for the construction of a lighthouse on Absecon Island. Construction commenced in 1854, with the lighthouse’s illumination commencing on January 15, 1857. The project was initially overseen by Major Hartman Bache. Subsequently, Lieutenant George Meade, who would later command the Union Army at Gettysburg, assumed the role of project director. An additional $17,436 was allocated by the Army Corps of Engineers under the guidance of Lieutenant Colonel William Reynolds to complete the project. The final expenditure amounted to $52,436.62. On January 15, 1857, the inaugural illumination occurred, utilizing a mineral oil flame that focused through a colossal 36-plate, First-Order Fresnel lens manufactured in Paris specifically for Absecon Lighthouse. The lighthouse’s white light extended a range of 19.5 nautical miles into the sea!

The Absecon Lighthouse continues to retain its original first-order fixed Fresnel lens. To this day, the lens is composed of lead glass and possesses a weight of 12,800 pounds.

The Absecon Lighthouse, deactivated in 1933, continues to emit its nightly light, albeit no longer serving as an active navigational aid. Jack E. Boucher spearheaded the preservation of the lighthouse in 1964. The Absecon Lighthouse is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic American Buildings Survey, and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.

Open to public visitation, the lighthouse offers a climb to the watch room and external gallery for a nominal donation. The lighthouse’s multi-million-dollar restoration encompasses a remarkable replica of the Lightkeeper’s dwelling, an educational museum, a charming gift shop, a Fresnel Lens exhibit housed within the original Oil House, and expansive grounds. Complementing school and group tours, the Absecon Lighthouse provides an overnight program for Scouts, a winter arts program for children, and a diverse array of special events throughout the year.

Last week, the Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association visited this remarkable landmark. Guided by our esteemed board member, Milton W. Glenn III, we were immersed in the lighthouse’s rich history, gaining invaluable insights along the way.

We wholeheartedly recommend this destination for guests of all ages. On clear days or early evenings, visitors can witness expansive vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, the inlet, and Brigantine. For those who prefer to remain at the base, the museum and gift shop offer an alternative experience, eliminating the need for a climb. Embark on an extraordinary journey through time and ascend the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, one of the nation’s oldest lighthouses. As you ascend, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline. At the summit, you will have the opportunity to encounter the original first-order Fresnel Lens, first illuminated in 1857. If you have yet to visit this historical landmark, we encourage you to add this to your bucket list!