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

Inscription.
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. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. Keeper’s Dwelling / Lightkeepers of Absecon Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Lighthouse History / Absecon Lighthouse Facts (within shouting distance of this marker); Chronology (within shouting distance of this marker); USCS Steamer Robert J. Walker / Assistant Keepers' Dwelling (within shouting distance of this marker); Absecon Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Life-Saving Station (within shouting distance of this marker); 44th National Encampment Grand Army of the Republic (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Edna Patricia Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlantic City.

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 whaling vessel Stafford ran aground in 1891. The ship was moved to the Boardwalk and open to the public for four years. Photograph courtesy of the Atlantic County Historical Society.”

Also see . . . Historic Absecon Lighthouse. Lighthouse website homepage (Submitted on August 21, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Marker and Anchor image. Click for full size.

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.

Marker at the Absecon Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

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.

Anchor from the Jacob Jones image. Click for full size.

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 724 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 21, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.