Sandy Hook in Middletown Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sandy Hook
Gateway National Recreational Area, Sandy Hook Unit
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 15, 2022
Stretching off the northern tip of the New Jersey Shore, the 1,650 acre peninsula preserves six miles of ocean beaches enjoyed by more than two million visitors a year. But there’s much more.
Beyond its well-known beaches, sand dunes and salt marshes extend to Sandy Hook Bay. These coastal environments support and array of wildlife, including more than 300 species of migratory and native birds. Offshore, dozens of fish species and other aquatic life thrive in these waters.
Sandy Hook has history, too. Its lighthouse, the oldest in the nation, has guided shipping since 1764. Forts here protected New York Harbor for two centuries. Explore Fort Hancock and discover Sandy Hook’s role in navigation and the defense of our nation.
[Caption:]
Historic resources abound in and around Fort Hancock—from the 1764 Sandy Hook Lighthouse to 1890s Endicott fortification to the remains of the Sandy Hook Proving Ground.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Communications • Forts and Castles • Natural Features • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1764.
Location. 40° 27.387′ N, 74° 0.236′ W. Marker is in Middletown Township, New Jersey, in Monmouth County. It is in Sandy Hook. Marker is on Hartshorne Drive north of Magruder Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Hartshorne Dr, Highlands NJ 07732, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Discover Sandy Hook (here, next to this marker); The Guns of Sandy Hook (within shouting distance of this marker); Guardian Park Picnic Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Nike-Ajax (within shouting distance of this marker); Nike-Hercules (within shouting distance of this marker); Nike Ajax Explosion Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Dead House (about 300 feet away); Hospital Steward’s Quarters (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middletown Township.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 15, 2022
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.