Finns Point Rear Range Lighthouse was built in 1876 under the supervision of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This lighthouse is a black painted wrought iron tower, which rises to a height of 115 feet above the ground. At the core of the tower lies a 119-step spiral staircase and an 11-step ladder, leading to the lantern and watch-room. Although the first keeper was appointed on December 8, 1876, the daily task of ascending the stairs to light the lamp didn't commence until April 2, 1877.
Throughout its operational history, Finns Point Rear Range Lighthouse had three dedicated keepers: Mr. Edward Dickinson, Mrs. Dickinson, and Milton Duffield. The final year in which a keeper maintained the lighthouse was 1933. While the keepers themselves no longer make the climb up the staircase to the lantern and watch-room, their enduring legacy lives on through the records meticulously documented in the Lighthouse Keeper Log Books. These Log Books offer valuable insights into the daily routines and challenges faced by the keepers as they diligently tended to the light, providing a unique glimpse into their dedicated service.
These Log Books provide valuable insights into various aspects, including weather patterns, routine maintenance tasks, and the movements of vessels navigating the bay. They serve as a testament to the dedication and unwavering commitment of the keepers who faithfully served at Finns Point Rear Range Lighthouse and numerous other coastal beacons across the nation.
Finns Point Rear Range Lighthouse invites the public to visit free of charge on October 21st and 22nd this year, with doors open from 8 AM to 6 PM each day. This event is a part of the 2023 Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey and marks the final lighthouse openings of the year. We invite you to step back in time with us and immerse yourself in the rich history of Finns Point Rear Range Lighthouse during this special occasion. Explore the stories of the dedicated keepers who have left an enduring legacy within their Log Books. We are eager to share these tales with you, connecting the past to the present as we celebrate the maritime heritage that continues to shape our coastal landscapes.
