July 4th 2011: Happy Birthday America!

The Montauk Lighthouse is one of my favorite places in New York. It is the oldest lighthouse in New York State, and the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the country. This majestic landmark was authorized by the 2nd United States Congress under President George Washington in 1792. Construction began in June of 1796 and completed in November of 1796. Only five months to build this state of the art lighthouse in 1796? I guess that’s what free men can accomplish when there are no unions and liberals around to muck things up. The lighthouse was actually the first “public works” project in American history, so there’s no reason why the liberals shouldn’t love it too.

I have often wondered what America looked like back in 1796 when this beautiful structure was built. It now takes about three hours (if you’re lucky) to reach the Montauk Lighthouse from NYC. I can only imagine the trip back then. Whenever I visit this location I get goosebumps thinking about President Washington and the brand new country that had just come into existence.

Happy July 4th America!