New Jersey has some truly spectacular islands. Cape Island (home to Cape May) is a favorite, along with Absecon Island (home to Atlantic City), Seven Mile Island (home to Stone Harbor and Avalon), and Ludlam Island (home to Sea Isle City and Strathmere). Another one of our iconic islands is Long Beach Island (home to Beach Haven and Barnegat Light) but did you know there was also once a Short Beach Island?
Short Beach Island, also known as Tucker's Island, was New Jersey's first shore resort.
New Jersey's own Atlantis, this island paradise can only be found on older maps - it has since been wiped out of existence. The map above is from 1856. Located just south of Long Beach Island, at the mouth of the Little Egg Harbor Bay, Short Beach was once around 8 miles long. First settled in the 1740s, by 1925 it was just a half-mile strip of sand. This sad tale shows the full power of the ocean, tides, and time.First settled by a man named Ephraim Morse, the island was originally used to graze cattle. In 1765, the land was purchased by Reuben Tucker. He built his home and lodge at the highest point on the island, about five hundred feet from the shore. Philadelphia-area bird hunters and fishermen flocked to the island, ideal for both activities - it became a popular sportsman's getaway. A hospitable host, word of the inn spread and the island also became a destination for Philadelphia Quakers who held camp meetings on the property for several summers after the Revolution. The resort thrived until 1845, when tragedy struck.
A fire ravaged the island, destroying the now legendary shore resort, known all over the Eastern Seaboard.
The resort was not rebuilt and a lighthouse went up in its place. In service until 1857, the light was extinguished when Absecon Light was built. Ten years later, the light was turned back on. By 1879, a new keeper's house had been built along with several homes, inns, a school and a life saving station. Resort life was thriving once again. Until...Sands shifted and the island became connected to Long Beach Island. Short Beach Island/Tucker's Island could not compete with the popularity of Beach Haven. The islands were separate once again following a dreadful 1920 storm but popularity was already dwindling. In addition, the storm damaged many structures on the island. By 1927, the lighthouse was one of the only buildings left behind. Decommissioned that year, a few weeks later, it was engulfed by the ocean. However, you can still see the lighthouse! A beautiful reproduction can be found at Tuckerton Seaport.
Isn't this fascinating? Did you know of the island's existence? If you regret being unable to visit, you might have a chance in several years. While there will only be a beach (and perhaps some ruins), Beach Haven Inlet is slowly closing and new shoals and sandbars are building up at the south end of Long Beach Island to reform it! If you'd like to learn more about the Tucker's Island Lighthouse replica and other fantastic New Jersey attractions, click here.
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