Atlantic City in Atlantic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Whaling Bark Stafford
Absecon Lighthouse
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 19, 2011
1. The Whaling Bark Stafford Marker
Before construction of Absecon Lighthouse, many ships and many lives were lost off the coast of Absecon Island. Even though the beam from this light lessened these losses, other disasters plagued seagoing vessels.
The anchor you see here, weighing 1,805 pounds, may be one of two that were recovered by fishing boat crews working near Cape May. It may originally have sailed aboard the United States Navy Destroyer Jacob Jones, which was hit by German torpedoes in February 1942 and sank in the waters off Cape May. The anchor was permanently installed here as a reminder of the important role Absecon Lighthouse played in reducing losses at sea.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the Lost at Sea series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1942.
Location. 39° 21.956′ N, 74° 24.859′ W. Marker is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Atlantic County. It is at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and S Rhode Island Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Pacific Avenue. Marker is located near the Absecon Lighthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Atlantic City NJ 08401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on New Jersey’s Jersey Shore. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Assistant Keepers Dwelling / Chronology (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Absecon Lighthouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named Absecon Lighthouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. A photograph of the Whaling Bark Stafford appears on the right side of the marker. It has a caption of The three-masted
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 19, 2011
2. Marker and Anchor
The anchor mentioned on the marker, possibly from the US Navy Destroyer Jacob Jones, is seen here next to the marker.
Also see . . . Historic Absecon Lighthouse. Lighthouse website homepage (Submitted on August 21, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 19, 2011
3. Marker at the Absecon Lighthouse
The Absecon Lighthouse is visible behind the marker. At 171 feet, the Absecon Lighthouse is the third tallest lighthouse in the United States and the tallest in New Jersey.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 19, 2011
4. Anchor from the Jacob Jones
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 916 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 21, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
