In 1876 crews went to work constructing a light station along the eastern banks of the Delaware River. Completed and put into operation the following year, the lighthouse was fitted with a Fresnel range lens, and was used in conjunction with a shorter front light, located closer to the river. The rear range light was constructed of wrought iron and is a hexagonal pyramidal skeletal tower standing 115 feet.
The tower was automated in 1934 and remained in operation until 1950 when the shipping channel it was used to mark was reconfigured. In 1952, ownership of the lighthouse transferred to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 1977, the keeper’s quarters were badly damaged by vandals and were later torn down. A committee was formed in the 1981 and successfully petitioned congress for funding to restore the tower.
Today, the lighthouse remains in good condition and open to the public the third Sunday of each month from April to October, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
To visit the Finn's Point Rear Range Lighthouse, take Exit 1 off of I-295 on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Follow Route 49 south until you reach Fort Mott Road. Make a right and follow it until you come to a fork in the road. Bear left and the lighthouse will be on your right.
