A visit to Cape May County is not complete without a visit to Cape May Point.
Of course the most famous point of interest at the point is the Lighthouse. You have probably seen numerous pictures of the lighthouse from different angles, including this one. Now exclusively from Beachcomber.com, you are going to see what makes the lighthouse unique. I have to give my thanks again to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts in Cape May. If it wasn't for this non-profit organization, these pictures would not have been possible. They are doing a beautiful job of restoration with the limited amount of funds available for this purpose. My family and I decided to visit the lighthouse on a Sunday morning to see if we could meet Mr. Palmer the lighthouse keeper in the 1920's.
After browsing around at the base of the lighthouse and visiting the gift shop, (Actually I think I was trying to build up the stamina to climb the 218 steps to the top.) My family decided to start the adventure. We were greeted by Joan, Admissions for the lighthouse that day and after learning a few items of interest, we started up the L_O_N_G spiral staircase that leads to the top. Round and round we went, where we stopped everyone knows. On the way up there were various plaques explaining the different structural features of the present day lighthouse. (Gave me a brief respite from the climbing so I made sure my family read each one!) After reaching the top you are in a room with various interesting artifacts, and informational items.
The thrill really came upon stepping out onto the walkway (completely caged and enclosed.) which gives a panoramic view of Cape May Point. We were given a excellent history tour of the lighthouse and Cape May Point from our vantage point high over the surrounding area by Pat, a Mid-Atlantic tour guide. When Mr. Palmer the Lighthouse keeper from the 1920's (portrayed by Dave, Another Mid- Atlantic Tour guide) appeared from the lighthouse room, my son started with various questions about the lighthouse itself.
Although a little hesitant to step out onto the walkway at first, My family was soon following "Mr. Palmer" around as he pointed out different areas of Cape May Point.
The Light beacon flashes every 15 seconds and can be seen from 24 miles out at sea. The present day lighthouse is actually the third lighthouse built at Cape May point and was constructed beginning in 1857 by the Army Corps of Engineers.
From the top as you can see, is a beautiful view of all Cape May point, you can see Sunset Beach and make out the sunken concrete ship "The Atlantis", over to the amusement piers in the Wildwoods.
A lesser known point of interest in Cape May Point is the State Park. Well Known to Birders with it's nature trails, It also has a beautiful Beach. (Beachcomber.com). No bathing, but it offers a secluded peaceful setting, with various interesting sights.
Most notable is the World War 2 Bunker sitting in the surf. A full history of the bunker and other artifacts can be found in the Museum located in the park. Parking is free for the day in the huge parking lots located here.
A visit to Cape May Point is not complete without a visit to Sunset Beach. A flag lowering ceremony highlights the sunset over the Sunken Concrete Ship "Atlantis" which has set on the beach there for over 50 years. Constructed of concrete during World War 1 because of a shortage of steel, She was soon decommissioned because of her weight and slow speed. Towed to Cape May to be used as a loading platform for a ferry service she broke her moorings during a storm on June 8th, 1926, and beached in the spot where she now lies. Efforts to free the ship were unsuccessful and she still greets the sunsets on the beach with the millions of visitors that have come to sunset beach over the years.
