Sandy Hook is the oldest operational lighthouse in America. Completed in 1764, it stands 103 feet tall and houses a third-order Fresnel lens.  It is located in Sandy Hook National Park at the northeastern tip of New Jersey.  Although located in New Jersey, it was actually built and paid for by New Yorkers.  Years of squabbling for control of the lighthouse ended when it was made federal property.  It is now maintained by the Coast Guard.   The tower has been stained a bit by acid rain, but it is structurally sound and will still be lighting the way into the Hudson River long after I am pushing up the daisies ! 

There is a posted entrance fee to get into the National Park, but if you tell them you're just going to see the lighthouse (and beg a little) they may let you in for free.  There are no tours available but the lighthouse is very approachable.   There are also some interesting artillery batteries nearby that were used to defend the coastline during wartime.

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