August 7th is National Lighthouse Day. Did you know that the first true American lightship was placed off the coast of New Jersey in Sandy Hook to mark the entrance to New York Bay?  The wooden hull ship, known as the Sandy Hook Lightship, cost $17,700 to build, was 90 feet long and was in service between 1823 and 1829.

Although many lighthouses are no longer is service, many still offer tours and visitors can climb the steps to the top.   Lighthouse can be found all along the Jersey shore - commemorate National Lighthouse day with a trip to a local lighthouse! 

by Jenny Tananbaum.   Jenny Tananbaum is a writer, wife and mom to three. suburbanmom@njkidsonline.com