Bergen Point Light

History | Characteristics | Keepers
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History

The Bergen Point Lighthouse was built in 1849 at the junction of Newark Bay and the Kill Van Kull, about 50 feet from the New Jersey/New York border. It was a dwelling on a 60 foot diameter caisson. The tower was 54 feet high. The dwelling had 6 rooms and was 2 1/2 stories high. It was constructed at a cost of $4,969.78. By 1855 the lighthouse had fallen into disrepair as The Annual Report of the Ligthouse Board for 1855 gives the following information:

Extract from the report of Major W. D. Fraser, of the Corps of Engineers, dated November 15, 1853:

Bergen Point light.--the following information is derived principally from notes taken by Major Delafield, on his first survey, and fully authenticated afterwards by my own observation.

The structure consists in a a two-story frame building, from the centre of which arises a wooden tower, surmounted by an octagonal lantern. It rests upon a quadrangular wharf of crib-work, filled partially with stone, and sheathed in the outside with four-inch plank placed vertically. The wharf rises about six feet above high-water mark, and is in a very pecarious condition, being constructed of very light stuff, and negligently frames. The house is settled at the centre, causing great injury to the ceilings both in the hall and upper rooms; and is so badly built thay evening admitting the foundations to be good, it is doubtful whether it would be proper to attempt any repairs. Little study seems to have been given to either the form or location of the wharf; to guard against to which it is every winter necessarily exposed; and the southwest angle has already sustained considerable injury therefrom. the dwelling-house is sufficiently commodious, but its condition, as well as that of the wharf, is too bad to justify me in asking anything for their repairs. The whole work ought to be renewed, and something better substituted in its place.

How far any of it could be made subservient to this end, it is impossible for me to say, and hence the difficulty of making a reliable estimate. I have no doubt, however, that it will require an expenditure of at least $20,000 to carry out a plan from which a lasting benefit can be expected.

Estimate for improvements.................................................$20,000.00

Work began on the rebuilding of the lighthouse in 1857, coinciding with the rebuilding of the Passaic and Corner Stake Lights. By 1859, work had been completed on the Bergen Point Lighthouse. A report in 1868 states that the lighthouse "Requires nothing." In 1873, a large fog bell that was struck by machinery was installed, replacing a small bell struck by hand.

The station was discontinued in 1949 due to a widening of the Kill Van Kill, and the point of land on which it stood was to be cut off from the point. Eventually the lighthouse was torn down and replaced by a skeleton tower.

Contract for construction of Bergen Point Lighthouse [Note the copies of the contract were hand written and very hard to read]

Contract with G. P. W. Youngs for building Light Houses Bergen Point and Mouth of the Passaic, New York.

Articles of agreement made and entered into this twenty fifth day May A.D. 1849 by and between Cornelius W. Lawrence Collector of the Customs for the District of New York and superintendent of Lights for and in behalf of the United States of the first part, and George Youngs and William Youngs of the second part, witnessed the said parties of the second part of the consideration hereinafter named to be paid to them, agree to do all the work and furnish all the materials for the building of two Light Houses and docks according to the specifications hereto annexed and which form apart of this agreement one to be built at Bergen Point and the other at the mouth of the Passaic River on locations that may be designated by the superintendent of Light Houses for the sum of four thousand and five hundred dollars, lawful money of the United States for each Light House and dock, to be paid on the completion and acceptance thereof agreeably to and within the time time set forth in the said specifications. And the said Cornelius W. Lawrence Collector as aforesaid agreed to pay the said sums to the said G.W. Youngs according to the terms in the manner and within the times set forth in said specifications and upon a compliance with the said conditions thereof.

It is further understood and agreed by and between the patries hereto that the lamps and reflectors for said Light Houses are to be furnished by the Superintendent of Light Houses and not by said parties of the second part.

It is further stipulated and agreed, that no member of Congress or any person in the service of the United States, is or shall be admitted to any part or share of in this contract or to any benefit to arise therefrom.

In witness whereof the said party hereto of the first part for himself and his successors in office, and the said parties hereto of the second part for themselves their heirs exectors and administrators have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

Witness C.W. Laurence
The words "to be paid" Collector
in before signing George Youngs
S.G. Ogden, Jr. William Youngs