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“Old Barney”: The Guardian of the Jersey Shore from Above
Standing tall and proud at the northern tip of Long Beach Island, Barnegat Lighthouse, affectionately known as “Old Barney,” has been a steadfast sentinel of the Jersey Shore for over a century and a half. While many of us have admired its iconic red and white facade from the ground, an aerial view reveals a new perspective on its vital role.
From high above, the lighthouse isn’t just a tower; it’s the anchor of a dynamic, ever-changing landscape. The dramatic contrast between the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the calmer, greenish waters of the Barnegat Bay becomes strikingly clear, highlighting the treacherous inlet it was built to guide mariners through. The long, rocky jetties that extend into the sea look like protective arms, a testament to the continuous battle against the powerful currents and relentless erosion that have defined this coastline.
Erosion was a constant threat from the day the lighthouse was first lit on January 1, 1859. The original structure, designed by the brilliant U.S. Army engineer General George G. Meade, was built over 900 feet from the shore. Within just a few decades, the coastline had receded so dramatically that the tower was at risk of toppling into the sea. The modern jetties, a monumental feat of engineering, were constructed to stabilize the inlet and save this historic landmark.
Today, Old Barney no longer serves as an active aid to navigation, but its purpose as a symbol of maritime history remains. It’s the centerpiece of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, where visitors can climb its 217 steps for a breathtaking panoramic view. From the top, you can see the intricate dance of boats entering the inlet, the expansive sandy stretches of Long Beach Island, and the untouched wilderness of Island Beach State Park across the water.
An aerial photograph captures not only the beauty of the lighthouse itself but also the incredible natural and man-made forces that have shaped its existence. It is, and will forever be, a powerful guardian of the Jersey Shore.
