Day 26

Can't talk about the Jersey Shore and not discuss Lighthouses! We've already featured the Sea Girt Light, now we head south to Victorian Cape May for the:

CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE


Located just 2 miles from Cape May in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township. Built in 1859.

Nearly 100,000 visitors a year now experience a visit to the top of the lighthouse, participating in a century old rite of a visit to the Jersey Shore. Climb 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Open daily. Evening trolley tours. Museum shop.

For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House contains a fully-accessible visitors' orientation center and a Museum Shop stocked with maritime accessories and memorabilia.


In 1882, the Cape May Ocean Wave reported that "the gentleman superintendent in charge [of the lighthouse], Mr. Samuel Stillwell, takes pleasure in showing visitors who have the nerve and strength of limb to the top, the interior of the lantern, and explaining the interesting operations of the light. A very picturesque view of the sea, bay, and country may also be obtained from the giddy heights of the edifice."

In 1897, the newspaper made it clear that a visit to the lighthouse was a requisite part of one's vacation: "One of the interesting features to Cape May summer visitors is a journey to the top of the lighthouse."