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Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse

🇺🇸Hamilton Township, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse

Built in 1892, the Mercer County Lightship, also known as Lightship 53, was a vessel designed to carry a mast and lantern for navigation. Following service along the southeast coast, it spent 17 years marking the Stonehorse Shoal station in Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts. Decommissioned in 1951, the ship was later scrapped, but its mast and lantern were preserved. These components were displayed for many years at Giovi's Restaurant in Yardville, New Jersey. After a period of disrepair, the mast and lantern were restored and repainted in 2007. The structure is now located at the intersection of US 130 and NJ 156.

Why it matters: The lightship's mast and lantern represent a preserved piece of maritime heritage, offering a tangible link to the era of lightships before modern navigation.

Tower & Structure

Tower Color
the mast

Structure: The Mercer County Lightship was a vessel designed to carry a prominent mast and lantern, serving as a mobile navigational aid. While the ship itself was scrapped, its original mast and lantern, which once bore the light, are preserved.

Location

City
Hamilton Township
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
New Jersey
Sea Region
Stonehorse Shoal station in Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts; current display at intersection of US 130 and NJ 156 in Yardville
Latitude
40.1836°
Longitude
-74.6605°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1892

Significant events: Built 1892, spent early career on southeast coast, 17 years at Stonehorse Shoal, decommissioned 1951, ship scrapped, mast and lantern displayed at Giovi's Restaurant, Giovi's closed around 2005, lantern fell into disrepair, lantern restored and mast repainted 2007, property sold multiple times, currently owned by Yardville Buy Rite

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Fairless Hills(5.1 km)
ARLHS No.
USA-052
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is BORDENTOWN at 3.2 NM to the SW. Other ports served include ROSS MARINE SERVICE (3.4 NM W), FAIRLESS HILLS (5.1 NM WSW), Morrisville (5.3 NM WNW), BAUM'S COVE (7.6 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse?+
Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mercer County Lightship Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.