Tinicum Island Rear Range Light

Tinicum Island Rear Range Light is a hexagonal skeletal tower with 112 steps leading to the lantern room, standing 26 meters tall on a stone masonry foundation. This structure was designed to help vessels navigate safely through the Delaware River south of Philadelphia.

The lighthouse began operating in 1880 with a parabolic reflector lens as part of the navigation system for vessels on the Delaware River. The structure proved essential for safe passage in this region for decades.

The lighthouse stands near baseball fields and brings together maritime heritage and local sports activities in the Gloucester County community.

Guided tours take place monthly on the third weekend from April through October, allowing visitors to climb to the top of the lighthouse. Plan extra time for the ascent through many steps and wear comfortable shoes.

The lighthouse uses a DCB-24 Aerobeacon producing 500,000 candlepower from a 1,000-watt lamp to guide ships through the river channel. This modern equipment replaced the original optics and shows how the historic tower was upgraded for contemporary navigation.

Location: Paulsboro

Inception: 1880

Height: 26 m

GPS coordinates: 39.84777,-75.25273

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:06