Built in 1874 on the north end of Five Mile Beach in 1874, at 39° 00' 00" latitude by 74° 47' 00". Its purpose was to mark the entrance of the inlet for the coal trade and other small steamers navigating the coastal waters.The lighthouse was completed on April 16, 1874, and equipped with a fourth order Fresnel lens was made by P. Sauter of Paris, France. It was first illuminated May 11, 1874. It is built in a style known as Swiss Gothic. It is the only one of this type on the East Coast. Threatened by the encroachment of the south side of Hereford Inlet, its foundation was damaged in a severe storm on August, 1913. Used until 1964, it was discontinued and superceded by a nearby iron tower. State Police building. The city began restoration, operation and maintenance of the lighthouse. The lighthouse was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places on September 20, 1977. In 1986, the light was relighted and is still maintained by the Coast Guard.