Ship John Shoal Light

Ship John Shoal Light is a 14-meter-tall structure with an octagonal shape and mansard roof, topped by a black lantern on a brown foundation. The lighthouse stands on a shoal in Delaware Bay and has been powered by solar energy since 1977.

The lighthouse takes its name from the ship John, which ran aground in 1797 during a voyage from Hamburg to Philadelphia. That maritime incident left a lasting name for the treacherous shoal.

The cast iron structure was displayed at Philadelphia's 1876 Centennial Exposition before being installed on the shoal. This demonstrates how technological advances in maritime safety were celebrated during that era.

The lighthouse is surrounded by water and can only be reached by boat. Visitors should prepare for open water conditions and bring appropriate footwear and gear for a marine excursion.

The foundation required massive riprap protection against ice damage, with additional reinforcement added in 1907 including a concrete platform. These extensive safeguards reveal the extreme challenges that structures face in this harsh water environment.

Location: Cumberland County

Inception: 1877

Height: 14 m

GPS coordinates: 39.30529,-75.37666

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:23