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If you’re thinking of vacationing somewhere along the Jersey Shore and seeking a little history at the same time, you might consider Sea Girt and the surrounding area.
Getting your bearings
Commodore Robert Field Stockton was the landowner responsible for coming up with the name Sea Girt, which means surrounded by the sea. When his naval career was over, he purchased land here in 1853. He was a man with strong and illustrious New Jersey ties: Commodore Stockton was a direct descendant of Richard Stockton of Princeton who was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey in 1774. Two years later, he was selected as a delegate to the Continental Congress and became a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The historic Sea Girt Light
The Sea Girt Lighthouse at Ocean Avenue and Beacon Boulevard in Sea Girt, NJ, went into service on December 10, 1896. It was equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens—a compact lens design where refraction and reflection are combined in an optical focusing system—emitting light that could be seen 15 miles out to sea.
When the light began operations, septuagenarian Major Abraham Wolf was the oldest active lighthouse keeper in the country. He had been a Union officer during the Civil War—and a spy for the North.
Major Wolf retired as lighthouse keeper in 1903 and was succeeded by George Thomas. Thomas was serving as Sea Girt Lighthouse keeper in September 1934 when the passenger liner Morro Castle caught fire three miles offshore. The ship was headed to New York from Havana, Cuba, when the deadly conflagration occurred. The crew gave the order to abandon ship, and, though 137 lost their lives, more than 400 people survived, thanks to the heroic assistance of fishermen and other locals. The Sea Girt beacon helped passengers and crew find their way to shore and to the lighthouse, which became an impromptu first aid station.
Under the radar
Today, the Sea Girt Citizens Committee is responsible for the preservation and care of the lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy a tour of both lighthouse and living quarters. Mementos of a bygone era fill the keeper’s gallery, such as a 1903 logbook, a collection of documents and photographs and two Morro Castle life jackets. The lighthouse hosts many events, including “Lighthouse Weekend” in September. This provides a unique opportunity for amateur ham operators to broadcast from the Sea Girt along with their cohorts in 350 other lighthouses in 50 different countries.
Accommodations
Nearby Spring Lake was a popular getaway location for New York and Philadelphia residents during the mid-1800s. Still is. Here you’ll find The Chateau Inn & Suites. This boutique hotel is close to beaches and the boardwalk, plus good eateries.
If you’re drawn to historic accommodations, look into the Hewitt Wellington Hotel. Built in the 1880s, this beautiful Condominium Hotel has retained many of its Queen Anne details. You can enjoy a view of the water from the rocking chairs on the porch. But keep in mind that there are steps up to the porch and stairs inside and this historic hotel is not handicapped-accessible.
Dining recommendations
For fine dining—lobster, filet mignon and more—consider Whispers, the restaurant at the Hewitt Wellington Hotel. For the Ireland connection, have dinner at St. Stephen’s Green Publick House with tempting fare such as Smoked Irish Salmon, Bangers & Mash or a Crock of Chili. And you can indulge your love of sweets at the Third Avenue Chocolate Shop.
Family Time
In nearby Point Pleasant Beach, you’ll find family-friendly lodging choices near the water. Examples: Rodeway Inn and the Atlantic Motel. And for lunch? You can’t do better than Point Lobster for seafood or The Breeze for burgers and hot dogs.
Getting there
The nearest airport to Sea Girt, NJ, is New York’s JFK at 38 miles. Newark Airport is 39 miles away and the distance is 67 miles from Philadelphia International Airport. So, if you’re picking up a rental car, the drive is fairly short. Additionally, there is a bus to Sea Girt from the New York Port Authority, a ride of about 1-3/4 hours.
Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check government advisories before scheduling trips.
Enjoy your visit as you travel into history!