Lonely East Point Lighthouse

East Point Lighthouse stands lonely in the afternoon sunlight, deserted for the moment. I just missed the 'lighthouse challenge' weekend to be able... more

by Joan Carroll

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Price

Not Specified

Dimensions

18.000 x 12.000 inches

Title

Lonely East Point Lighthouse

Artist

Joan Carroll

Medium

Photograph - Digital Photograph

Description

East Point Lighthouse stands lonely in the afternoon sunlight, deserted for the moment. I just missed the 'lighthouse challenge' weekend to be able to climb the tower. Perhaps just as well as the lonely solitude of the lighthouse was wonderful. East Point Lighthouse was one of my favorite lighthouses in New Jersey...not the most famous, not the most visited, but so charming that it captures you right away. It looks like a watercolor painting! It must be a favorite of many because many photographers and painters make the journey to view and capture this lighthouse. It is located where the Maurice river meets the Delaware Bay, and is currently under restoration by the Maurice River Historical Society. The East Point Lighthouse has played an important part in the maritime history of the Maurice River area of Cumberland County, New Jersey. Originally known as the Maurice River Lighthouse, it was erected in 1849 by the United States Lighthouse Establishment. The present name was initiated in 1913. Throughout the years its guiding light has shown fisherman, oystermen, and recreational boaters the way into the mouth of the Maurice River. During the daylight hours, it has been used as a landmark by hunters, trappers, and surveyors. Although numerous lighthouses once stood along the edge of the Delaware Bay, East Point is the last one remaining on the Jersey side. In fact, it is the second oldest lighthouse standing in New Jersey (only the Sandy Hook Lighthouse of 1764 is older). The lantern room offers a panoramic view of the surrounding land and water. The US Coast Guard operated the East Point Light from 1939 until 1941 when the light was extinguished due to the beginning of the war. In 1956 the property was deeded to the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife. Over the years the vacant structure suffered greatly from vandalism and weather. In early 1971 a group of concerned local citizens formed the Maurice River Historical Society with the goal of saving the historic building from destruction. They are still hard at work to restore this beauty!

FEATURED PHOTO, All Places on the Atlantic Coast of the USA group, 11/11/14

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FEATURED PHOTO, New Jersey group 10/29/13

Uploaded

October 29th, 2013