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Finns Point Range Rear Light

July 25, 2019
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Finns Point Range Rear Light, Pennsville Township, Salem County, New Jersey

FINNS POINT RANGE LIGHT

DELAWARE RIVER
Station Established: 1877
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1877
Operational? NO
Automated? YES 1934
Deactivated: 1950
Foundation Materials: MASONRY
Construction Materials: WROUGHT IRON
Tower Height: 115 feet
Tower Shape: SKELETAL W/CYLINDER
Markings/Pattern: SOLID BLACK
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: FRESNEL 1876

Chronology:

  • 1876:  The lighthouse, which was constructed in Buffalo, New York, was shipped by freight train and then pulled by mules to its present location.  The light was erected with a cost of $1,200.
  • 1877:  The light was first lit.  The light was a 150,000 candlepower kerosene vapor light. 
  • 1930s:  The front range light that was paired with this rear range light was destroyed.
  • 1939:  The lighthouse was automated.
  • 1951:  The channel the lighthouse marked was altered thus making the lighthouse obsolete.
  • 1977:  The keeper's quarters were destroyed after vandals repeatedly damaged the property.
  • 1981:  The "Save the Lighthouse Committee" was formed and successfully lobbied Congress for funds.
  • 1983:  The lighthouse was restored.
  • 2002:  The light is opened for climbing on a seasonal basis.  The oil house still stands as well.

Chronology was researched and written by Diane Hackney.