Conover Beacon

Conover Beacon is a range lighthouse in Leonardo, Middletown Township along New Jersey's coast. The skeletal metal structure with a red band on white paint stands about 45 feet (14 meters) tall and marks the Chapel Hill Channel connecting Sandy Hook Bay to Leonardo.

An original hexagonal wooden tower was built in 1856 to operate the navigation light through the channels. This structure served until 1941, when it was replaced by the current skeletal design with a central shaft.

Named after Rulif Conover, who sold the beachfront property for the construction of the first navigation light and keeper's dwelling in 1856.

The lighthouse stands along the coast between Ambrose Channel and Sandy Hook Channel, marking where vessels enter Raritan Bay. Visitors can view the structure from nearby beaches and waterfront paths.

Black screens were added to both sides of the tower to make it stand out against snow, then later replaced with white screens marked by black diagonal crosses. These adjustments helped passing ships spot the beacon more easily in poor visibility.

Location: New Jersey

GPS coordinates: 40.42130,-74.05560

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00