Marking the entrance to Hereford Inlet, an important harbor of refuge for
small coasting vessels , this lighthouse has a stick frame dwelling,
part one story and part two stories. The square light tower, with its
fourth-order lantern and lens, rose out of the one-story portion to a height
of 57 feet. The light, 53 feet above sea level, was originally a fixed
white light but was changed to a flashing red and white one in 1897.
The Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse in 1964 and transferred it to
state's marine police, and the light was moved to a white skeleton tower. In
1983, the old structure was conveyed to the town. Volunteer efforts restored
the former navigational aid and permitted North Wildwood to open the station
to the public during the summer. At the urging of the town, the tower's light
has been reinstalled. The lighthouse continues to serve as a museum and
is maintained by the Herefore Inlet Lighthouse Commission and community
volunteers.
Location: Central Avenue between First and Central Avenues, North Wildwood Visiting Status: Open to public. Information: (609)-522-4520 / Web Site Light Operational: Yes Date Deactivated: 1964-1983 Automated: 1964 Tower Height: 57 feet Original Optic:Fourth Order Fresnel Present Optic: Modern Optic
Marking the entrance to Hereford Inlet, an important harbor of refuge for
small coasting vessels , this lighthouse has a stick frame dwelling,
part one story and part two stories. The square light tower, with its
fourth-order lantern and lens, rose out of the one-story portion to a height
of 57 feet. The light, 53 feet above sea level, was originally a fixed
white light but was changed to a flashing red and white one in 1897.
The Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse in 1964 and transferred it to
state's marine police, and the light was moved to a white skeleton tower. In
1983, the old structure was conveyed to the town. Volunteer efforts restored
the former navigational aid and permitted North Wildwood to open the station
to the public during the summer. At the urging of the town, the tower's light
has been reinstalled. The lighthouse continues to serve as a museum and
is maintained by the Herefore Inlet Lighthouse Commission and community
volunteers.