[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 10099-10100]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SANDY HOOK LIGHTHOUSE

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2014

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sandy Hook 
Lighthouse as it celebrates its 250th Anniversary this year. The Sandy 
Hook Lighthouse has served as a beacon for the New Jersey coastline and 
the New York Harbor since it was first illuminated on June 11, 1764. 
Its historical significance is truly deserving of this body's 
recognition.
  The oldest original, operational lighthouse in the United States, the 
Sandy Hook Lighthouse is one of the 11 lighthouses built during the 
colonial era. First lit by whale oil, the lighthouse is currently 
illuminated by electricity, which became the standard for most 
lighthouses in the 1930s. To accommodate the increased harbor traffic, 
two beacons were added in 1817, for a total of 3 lights and 32 lamps 
and reflectors. With the increased work, three assistants were assigned 
to help the lighthouse keeper in 1857. Also that year, the lighthouse 
was renovated to include its glass Fresnel lens, an iron lens house, 
brick interior lining for stability and an iron staircase.

[[Page 10100]]

  During the American Revolution, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse served as a 
significant navigational aid. Held under British control for much of 
the war, it was a target due to its important location. Lieutenant 
Colonel Benjamin Tupper and his troops attempted to destroy the tower 
in March of 1776. After the attack, the lighthouse was closely guarded 
by British loyalists with the support of the British Army and Navy.
  The Sandy Hook Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark 
in 1964. With the introduction of electricity, a lighthouse keeper is 
no longer necessary. Today, its tower is maintained by the National 
Park Service and its light is maintained by the United States Coast 
Guard.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in recognizing the Sandy Hook 
Lighthouse and marking its 250th Anniversary.

                          ____________________