Lighthouses are an iconic part of coastline views and a powerful reminder of our maritime roots. New Jersey is home to many such historical landmarks. At Ocean Club Hotel, we are honored to be a small part of this legacy in Cape May. Our family-friendly hotel is just a few blocks from one of these lighthouses. Here, our staff discusses why you should visit the Cape May Lighthouse.
An Overview of Cape May
Known as “America’s Original Seaside Resort,” Cape May is an idyllic town packed with pristine, sparkling beaches and kid-approved attractions. It’s rich in history and offers varied architecture that dots the skyline, providing its visitors with picturesque views.
Its storied history includes the Underground Railroad, the whaling industry, and pirates. Nowadays, the remnants of these times are combined with a quaint resort town full of tourist hot spots, a historic district, wildlife parks, and the towering Cape May Lighthouse.
Maritime History of Cape May and New Jersey
Located on the eastern coast of the United States and bordering the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey has a rich maritime history. This area was settled by the Native American Indian Tribe known as the Kechemeche. They hunted, fished, and lived on this land for centuries before Europeans settled here.
Even though Henry Hudson first documented the area of Cape May when he was aboard his yacht in 1609, it wasn’t officially discovered until 1620 by Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, a Dutch captain who shares the namesake of this beautiful town.
Once the Quakers settled and formed their government around 1688, the whaling industry started to boom. This brought an influx of people wanting to live and work in this area, a trend that continues today.
While the whaling industry is a large part of this town’s history, it’s not the only significant maritime event. Our history also includes pirates. Yes, pirates! Rumors swirl that Captain Kidd’s treasure is buried somewhere in Cape May.
The Evolution of Cape May Lighthouses
Lighthouses were, and still are, a beacon for ships navigating dark waters at night. To prevent ships from crashing into rocks along the shoreline, lighthouse keepers would light the lamp at the top, cautioning ships of danger ahead. Today, many of them open their doors to the public and have visitor centers, allowing tourists to learn about the maritime history of the local area. The Cape May Lighthouse is no exception.
The Past
The current lighthouse is the third lighthouse that has stood at Cape May Point. The other two eroded with time, but what remains of them lie just offshore in Delaware Bay. In 1857, the Army Corp of Engineers started building the third and current lighthouse.
In addition to a lighthouse, they also built a house for the keeper and his family, as well as an oil house to store fuel. Lit in 1859, the current lighthouse served as a navigational landmark for sailors around the New Jersey coastline. In 1933, the lighthouse was converted to electricity. The original oil-powered lens moved into storage and now resides at the Cape May Museum nearby.
Currently operated by the Cape May Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC), the current lighthouse opened for public tours in 1988.
The Present
Since being opened to the public, the site has attracted thousands of tourists every year. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape May. What makes this historical site unique is its height. Its 199 steps make it one of the tallest points around, offering spectacular ocean views that extend for miles.
If climbing stairs and heights aren’t your thing, you can tour the grounds and see the other two original buildings. The State Park Service uses the keeper’s house, making it closed to the public, but you’re welcome to admire the outside. The oil house is now a visitor’s center and a gift shop. Guided tours of the lighthouse and the grounds are available for an in-depth experience.
Book Your Accommodations at Ocean Club Hotel
While visiting the Cape May Lighthouse and others in the area, make an entire vacation of it and experience all Cape May, NJ, has to offer. When you’re ready to book, Ocean Club Hotel is here to provide you with luxurious and comfortable family-friendly accommodations, with private cabana rooms, rooms with ocean views, and rooms that are ADA-compliant. Contact us today to learn more.