If you’re as enchanted by lighthouses as I am, you’re going to love the Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands, New Jersey. While the Navesink Twin Lights may not be the oldest lighthouse(s) in the U.S. (that honor goes to Sandy Hook Light), the site is special for several reasons. Read on for their 7 famous firsts.

1. The grounds are now home to the first life saving station in the United States.
Image/Google Maps
The original Spermaceti Cove Life Saving Station was built in 1848 in Sandy Hook. In the 1950s, it was moved to the Twin Lights Historic Site. Inside, you'll find a small exhibit area with boats and other memorabilia. There is still a Spermaceti Cove Light Saving Station (No. 2) on Sandy Hook - this station was built in the 1890s.
2. The first Fresnel lens to be used in the United States was located here.
Frank Schulenburg/Wikipedia
The Fresnel Lens has been called "the invention that saved a million ships." A more efficient design than previous lenses, it is significantly thinner and lighter. In the present day, these lenses are used in many traffic lights, can help correct vision disorders, and make for fantastic pocket-sized magnifiers. Concentric circles are a key component.
3. The Pledge of Allegiance was given as America's national oath of loyalty for the first time. This occurred in 1893.
Twin Lights Historical Society/Facebook
There have been five versions over the years. The original read "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The most current version, adopted in 1954, made several changes including the use of the words "under God." It reads "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

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4. The first commercial wireless telegraph was sent from this location by Guglielmo Marconi in 1899.
Cardiff Castle Flat Holm Project/Wikipedia
He transmitted messages from a boat offshore while covering the America's Cup international yacht races off Sandy Hook. These transmissions were sent to the New York Herald.
5. In 1935, radar technology was introduced for the first time in the United States.
Twin Lights Historical Society/Facebook
They called it the "mystery ray." Prior to radar, listening devices like those pictured were occasionally used.
6. The first kerosene-fueled lamps were used here in 1883.
Ananthy94/Wikipedia
While they may seem like a thing of the past, they are still used in rural areas of Africa and Asia where electricity is not readily available.
7. In 1898, the Twin Lights became the first major seacoast light to use electricity.
Lonnie Janzen/Flickr
An electric arc lamp illuminated the south tower.

While these are the 7 famous firsts, there’s so much more worth learning. Visit the Twin Lights Historic Site and you’ll find one of New Jersey’s best small museums. Not only will you gain knowledge and have fun with the family (or a date, or friends…), you can enjoy a spectacular shore view.

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Navesink Twin Lighthouses, Light House Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA