>> Click to enlarge << The scaffolding goes up at Sandy Hook Lighthouse.

The restoration of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest standing lighthouse tower in the United States, was recently completed and the tower was again opened for tours this past June 24th. The tower had been closed since September 2017.

>> Click to enlarge << Sandy Hook Lighthouse surrounded by scaffolding.

The restoration work took nine months to complete on the tower that was first lighted on June 11, 1764 when its original name was New York Lighthouse. Located in Highlands, New Jersey, ownership of the lighthouse was transferred in 1996 to the National Park Service and is within the Gateway National Recreation Area. (All photos are courtesy of the Gateway National Recreation Area - New Jersey Unit.)

>> Click to enlarge << A member of the work crew works high above the ...