Overview

The white and black lined Absecon Lighthouse shoots straight up 171 feet to guide ships with its original Fresnel lens as they navigate the Absecon Inlet. The third tallest lighthouse in the country, it takes 228 steps to reach the top, for a grand waterfront view. Construction was finished in 1857, making it New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, a title which remains today. For a time, it was the responsibility of Lieutenant George Meade, who went on to command the Union army at the Battle of Gettysburg.