In 1881 the Barnegat City Improvement Company was formed. That organization had as its objective the development of the area for recreation and tourism. The Barnegat City Improvement Company laid out the present pattern of streets, blocks and lots. Barnegat Light is probably unique in owning all of the town's beaches and dunes. Thus, forever public open space! At that time, Barnegat City was an outpost of Long Beach Township. In 1904 the community seceded from the Township and became independent. The town was incorporated as a separate political entity in 1904. The name Barnegat City held for another 44 years when, in November of 1948, the community, by referendum, elected to identify with it's major landmark by officially taking the name Barnegat Light. More...