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1760s era lighthouse located at the Gateway National Recreational Area in Sandy Hook
Historic Site | National Park

Sandy Hook

A strategic location for the defense of New York's harbor, the Continentals failed to reinforce this peninsula, leading to the city's capture in August of 1776. A lighthouse dating to 1764 still operates there today, once serving as a Loyalist fortification.

  • Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible
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New Jersey
84 Mercer Road Highlands, NJ 07732
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What's Happening

Upcoming Events

Interior of fort with curved doors and parade ground.
Tour | Nov 7 - 29, 2026
Fort Tompkins Tour
Highlands, NJ
Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500...
Red-tailed hawk on tree branch
Event | Nov 7, 2026
9th Annual Raptorama at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Highlands, NJ
Join the National Park Service and our park partners Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, American Littoral Society, New York City Bird Alliance and New York City Plover Project for the 9th Annual...
Sitting room in historic house with furniture and decor from 19th century.
Event | Nov 7, 2026
Spiritualism in the 19th Century
Highlands, NJ
Spiritualism, a belief that departed souls could communicate with the living, exploded in popularity during the late 19th century. Parlors across America hosted seances lead by mediums who offered a...
Heron backlit in water, with sun setting behind it.
Tour | Nov 8 - 29, 2026
Jamaica Bay Sunset Walk
Highlands, NJ
Embrace the golden evening light and the changing autumn landscape on a ranger-guided sunset walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Sampler with letters, numbers, and stitched house
Event | Nov 9 - 16, 2026
Gather & Stitch at Fort Wadsworth
Highlands, NJ
Opportunity for quilters of all skill levels to sew socially, learn new skills or get advice on projects you are currently working on. Contact 718 815-6155 for questions
Battery Harris East with surronding foliage
Event | Nov 13, 2026
Fort Tilden Hawk Watch
Highlands, NJ
Join a park ranger for the chance to see birds of prey like Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles and more as they fly over the dunes during fall migration. Learn to identify them and join a...

Uncovering History

We invite you to visit the preserved locations along the Liberty Trail and to immerse
yourself in the extraordinary events that determined the fate of a nation.

A modern-day photo fo Camden Battlefield
Battlefields

Discover the historic fields, farms, and forests across The Liberty Trail where pivotal battles were fought and the foundations of our nation were forged.
Minute Man National Battlefield Park
Tours

Discover The Liberty Trail through immersive guided tours—right at your fingertips.
Faneuil Hall Square in Boston
Historic Sites

Journey through The Liberty Trail’s rich historical sites to uncover their pivotal roles in securing America’s independence.
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Itineraries

Explore curated journeys that connect historic sites, stories and experiences into memorable adventures along The Liberty Trail.
boardwalk path through marshy park
State Parks

Discover The Liberty Trail’s diverse parks and forests, where both Loyalists and Patriots once ventured.
Revolutionary War reenactment showing three riders on horses
Events

Discover all The Liberty Trail has to offer through local festivals, re-enactments and community events.