Maritime Heritage
1700s-Present
About This Era
The Jersey Shore's treacherous shoals claimed thousands of ships. Lighthouses dot the coast, each with its own story. The U.S. Life-Saving Service, predecessor to the Coast Guard, was perfected here. Shipwrecks still emerge from the sands.
Key Highlights
- ✓11 lighthouses still standing along the coast
- ✓Over 4,000 shipwrecks in NJ waters
- ✓Morro Castle disaster of 1934 killed 137
- ✓U.S. Life-Saving Service established stations along the coast
- ✓WWII German U-boat attacks off the shore
Quick Facts
- Time Period
- 1700s-Present
- Key Locations
- Sandy Hook, Barnegat Light, Cape May, Absecon
- Historic Sites
- 2 to explore
Historic Sites from This Era
Barnegat Lighthouse
Barnegat Light • Historic Lighthouse
"Old Barney" is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Jersey Shore. Built in 1859, the 172-foot tower can be climbed for spectacular views of Long Beach Island.
Visit Website →Twin Lights Historic Site
Highlands • Historic Lighthouse
This unique brownstone lighthouse with two towers was the site of the first practical demonstration of Marconi's wireless telegraph in America (1899). The museum tells the story of the Life-Saving Service.
Visit Website →Key Locations to Explore
These towns played important roles during the Maritime Heritage period:
Explore Other Eras
Colonial & Early American
1620s-1860s
Before the resort era, the Jersey Shore was a working coastline of fishing villages, whaling towns, and maritime commerce. Sandy Hook Lighthouse, built in 1764, still stands as a testament to this era.
Victorian Era
1870s-1900s
Cape May became America's first seaside resort, attracting presidents and high society. The Victorian architecture that defines Cape May today was built during this golden age of leisure travel. Railroad access transformed sleepy fishing villages into fashionable destinations.
Boardwalk Golden Age
1870-1950
The boardwalk transformed beach towns into entertainment destinations. Atlantic City invented salt water taffy, rolling chairs, and the modern amusement pier. Steel Pier became the "Showplace of the Nation" with diving horses and big band concerts.
Explore Jersey Shore History
Discover walking tours, historic sites, and legendary stories.