It was built after Charles K. Landis, the founder of Sea Isle City, requested a light because of several shipwrecks off the island.

The light, which flashed white every 15 seconds, was at an elevation of 36 feet (11 m), and could be seen approximately 10.0 nautical miles; 18.5 kilometres (11.5 mi) in clear weather.

A glass panel was later installed on a segment of the lantern making it appear to flash red to ships that had strayed too close to the Townsend's Inlet sandbar.

It was later moved to 3414 Landis.The original lighthouse was replaced by a 45 ft (14 m) steel skeleton tower on the beach, which flashed red every six seconds, and was visible approximately 10 nautical miles; 19 kilometres (12 mi).

By the summer of 2010, the Friends of Ludlam Beach Lighthouse had not reached their fund-raising goals, and the building was demolished on September 21, 2010[2] to make way for three private homes.