Absecon Lighthouse officially turned 159 years old on yesterday, January 15.  The lighthouse was first lit on January 15, 1857.

Above: Absecon Lighthouse’s fourth-order fresnel lens.  September 20, 2014.

Affectionately known as Abby, it is the tallest lighthouse in the Garden State of New Jersey, and the third tallest lighthouse in the United States.

I have a special affinity for Absecon, as it is the first lighthouse I ever visited and climbed. It is the place I spent my birthday for two years in a row, and hope to celebrate more birthdays there.

Above: Video of Absecon Lighthouse on September 20, 2014.

When you reach the top of Abby’s 228 steps, you receive a I Saw The Light card from the volunteer light keeper on duty.  Below are my cards from September 20, 2013 and 2014.

Happy Birthday, Abby!  159 years never looked so good.

May you keep shining brightly.

My view of Absecon Lighthouse at night on September 19, 2013.