Brandywine Shoal Light, New Jersey

Brandywine Shoal Light in Delaware Bay is one of the most historic lighthouses ever built in the United States. It is the site of one of the breakthroughs in lighthouse technology and one of the first U.S. lights to use a Fresnel lens. As one of the maritime obstructions along the shipping route to the port of Philadelphia, marking the shoal became an important goal for lighthouse authorities. As early as 1823 one of the first lightships was stationed at the shoal.

The light was first lit on October 31, 1850. Over time it became apparent that light could not stand up against the ice floes in Delaware Bay, so a network of 68 interconnected pilings was erected to act as an icebreaker. A wooden platform was built atop the icebreaker and provided additional space for outbuildings.

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The light was first lit on October 31, 1850. Over time it became apparent that light could not stand up against the ice floes in Delaware Bay, so a network of 68 interconnected pilings was erected to act as an icebreaker. A wooden platform was built atop the icebreaker and provided additional space for outbuildings.

Brandywine Shoal Light010

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Brandywine Shoal Light, New Jersey