Welcome to Atlantic City!
Jonathan Pitney, known as "the father of Atlantic City" is said to have taken 10 years to convince the U.S. Lighthouse Service to construct the coast guide for sailing vessels of the mid-19th century.
EarthCam and affiliate, The Absecon Lighthouse Organization are proud to take visitors back in time with live webcam views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastline from the top of this historic lighthouse - one of the oldest in the United States and the tallest in New Jersey.
It took the Army Corp of engineers two years to complete the structure in 1856 on the high dunes of Absecon Island. With a special 36-plate Fresenel lens built in Paris, the kerosene-fueled lighthouse flame was magnified dramatically with its white light visible 19.5 nautical miles out to sea.
Over the years as Atlantic City grew behind the landmark, keepers adjusted to the times powering the light with the first incandescent oil vapor lamps in 1910 and switching to electricity in 1925. Decommissioned in 1933 and lit for only a brief time in 1954 to celebrate the centennial of Atlantic City, the beacon remained dark until 1963 when it was re-lit for New Jersey's Tercentenary year. After being placed on both New Jersey's and the National Register of Historic places, in 1970 and 1971 respectively, public and private fundraisers began the process of refurbishing the lighthouse. Under the leadership of The Inlet Public / Private Association (IPPA), formed in 1988 and dedicated to the rebirth of the inlet section of Atlantic City, the icon was restored to former glory with the lighthouse completed in 1999 and the keepers house opened in 2001. Today visitors are greeted by a 228-step walk to the top, spectacular views on all sides, the keeper's house, an educational museum and a charming gift shop. With its location at Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues, it is within walking distance of one of the city's top casinos.
