AVERY POINT LIGHT

LOCATION: Connecticut, on the University of Connecticut Avery Point Campus (near Groton)
DATE BUILT: 1944 on the grounds of the Coast Guard Training Station at Avery Point, Groton, CT.
REBUILT:
HEIGHT:
CHARACTERISTIC: Ceremonial light tower - also used as an active aid to navigation from 1945 through 1967. Initially it was a fixed white light. On 3 March 1960 the characteristic was changed to flashing green as a part of a cluster of eight lights.**
DECOMMISSIONED: 25 June 1967 when the Coast Guard moved its training facility to Governor's Island.
FOGHORN: N/A

**Information provided by the Avery Point Lighthouse Society

GENERAL INFORMATION:

1940: This lighthouse was constructed as a memorial tower, a symbol of the Coast Guard's lightkeeping responsibility. (It was also built, according to the Avery Point Lighthouse Society, "to fulfill a contingency of the Quit Claim deed for receiving the property from the State of Connecticut. . .It was the last lighthouse built in the state of Connecticut.")

1967: The light was extinguished. No maintenance or upkeep has been done since then.

1997: It has been placed on the "Doomsday List" compiled by the magazine, Lighthouse Digest, as of December 1997.


BLACK ROCK HARBOR (FAYERWEATHER ISLAND) LIGHT

SOUTH END FAYERWEATHER ISLAND
Station Established: 1808
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1823
Oerational? NO
Automated? NO
Deactivated: 1932
Foundation Materials: FIELDSTONE
Construction Materials: GRANITE RUBBLE/BROWNSTONE BLOCK
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Height: 40-feet
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BLACK LANTERN
Characteristic: Fixed white light, fifth order fresnel, range is 11 nautical miles
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: 8 LAMPS, 14" REFLECTORS
Foghorn:

GENERAL INFORMATION:

1808: First tower built.

1811 & 1821: First tower survived hurricanes

1823: Present tower built

1824: First tower toppled by gale

1932: Light was deactivated

1980: Bridgeport Environmental Protection Agency along with Friends of Seaside Park, restored the light tower.


BRIDGEPORT BREAKWATER LIGHT


BRIDGEPORT HARBOR LIGHT


FAULKNERS ISLAND LIGHT

OFF GUILFORD HARBOR/LONG ISLAND SOUND
Station Established: 1802
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1802
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1978
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: FIELDSTONE
Construction Materials: BROWNSTONE/BRICK LINING
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: 9 LAMPS, 16" REFLECTORS 1840


FIVE MILE POINT (OLD NEW HAVEN) LIGHT

HARBOR ENTRANCE/LONG ISLAND SOUND
Station Established: 1805
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1845
Operational? NO
Automated? NO
Deactivated: 1877
Foundation Materials: BROWNSTONE
Construction Materials: BROWNSTONE/BRICK LINING
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: 12 LAMPS, 21" REFLECTORS 1845


GREAT CAPTAIN ISLAND LIGHT

WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND
Station Established: 1830
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1868
Operational? NO
Automated? YES 1970
Deactivated: 1970
Foundation Materials: STONE
Construction Materials: GRANITE/WOOD
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE ON NATURAL GRANITE
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1858


GREENS LEDGE LIGHT

LONG ISLAND SOUND/NORWALK ISLANDS
Station Established: 1902
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1902
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1972
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CAST IRON/CONCRETE CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON
Tower Shape: CONICAL
Markings/Pattern: UPPER WHITE, LOWER BROWN ON BLACK PIER
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1902


LYNDE POINT (SAYBROOK) LIGHT

CONNECTICUT RIVER/LONG ISLAND SOUND
Station Established: 1803
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1839
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1975
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: GRANITE PIER
Construction Materials: BROWNSTONE BLOCKS
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/RED & GREY LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: 10 LAMPS, 9" REFLECTORS


MORGAN POINT LIGHT

WEST SIDE OF MOUTH OF MYSTIC RIVER
Station Established: 1831
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1868
Operational? NO
Automated? NO
Deactivated: 1919
Foundation Materials: NATURAL GRANITE SHELF
Construction Materials: WOOD TOWER/GRANITE DWELLING
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE TOWER ON MASONRY DWELLING
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: SIXTH ORDER STEAMER 1855


NEW LONDON HARBOR LIGHT

WEST SIDE OF HARBOR ENTRANCE
Station Established: 1760
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1801
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1912
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: SURFACE ROCK/STONE
Construction Materials: BROWNSTONE/BRICK LINING
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: 11 LAMPS W/13-INCH REFLECTORS

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The original New London Harbor Lighthouse was built on the west side of the entrance to New London Harbor in 1760. The original lighthouse was probably of masonry. It apparently was completely removed when the stone tower which stands today was built in 1801. Following the act of August 7, 1789, the lighthouse, built in 1760, was ceded to the United States, according to the following "Memoranda of Cessions" by Connecticut:

"1790, May. Lighthouse at New London and certain rocks and ledges off against the harbor of New London, called Race Rock, Black Ledge, and Goshen Reef, together with buoys." On May 7, 1800. Congress appropriated $15,700 "for rebuilding, altering, and improving the lighthouse at New London, Conn.," of which $15,547.90 was spent for the purpose in 1801, the balance being carried to the surplus fund.

On November 22, 1838, Lt. George M. Bache, U. S. N., made a report on the light which he described as a stationary light, situated on a rocky point to the westward of the entrance to the River Thames, and 2 miles from the town of New London. "It is of great importance as a leading light for vessels going in and out of the harbor of New London, which, on account of its position and security, is much resorted to during the heavy gales of winter."

"The light is shown from an elevation of 111 feet, which, in clear weather, should render it visible 1612 miles. * * * The tower is a substantial building of freestone, smooth hammered, and laid in courses; it is 80 feet in height, and is ascended by an interior stairway of wood, having landings at convenient distances. "The lighting apparatus consists of 11 lamps, with parabolic reflectors, disposed around 2 horizontal tables so as to throw the lights from WSW south about to N by E. The reflectors are 13 inches in diameter. This apparatus was furnished in 1834."

In 1855 a fourth-order lens to illuminate 315 degrees was recommended. In 1863 new dwellings for keepers were provided. In 1868 a road was opened by the city of New London across the lighthouse grounds, the road being fenced on both sides. In 1874 a second-class fog signal with two 18-inch engines and a Daboll trumpet was installed. It was in operation 553 hours during 1875. In 1883 a first-class fog trumpet was substituted. On December 21, 1896, an improved fog signal consisting of two 3 1/2-horsepower Hornsby-Akroyd oil engines, air compressors etc., was installed operating the first-class Daboll trumpet.

A fog-signal house was built in 1903 and 13-horsepower oil engines, with trumpet, siren etc., were installed in the following year. The fog signal was discontinued on September 5, 1911. On July 20, 1912, the light was changed to acetylene, unattended. The lighthouse is a white, octagonal pyramidal tower, 90 feet above ground and 89 feet above water, the light being visible for 15 miles, and located on the west side of the entrance to New London Harbor. The light is a 6,000-candlepower fourth-order electric light flashing white every 4 seconds, with a red 1,300-candlepower sector from 0 degrees to 41 degrees, covering Sarah Ledge and the shoals to the westward.


NEW LONDON LEDGE LIGHT

THAMES RIVER/NEW LONDON HARBOR ENTRANCE
Station Established: 1909
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1909
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1987
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CONCRETE PIER/ORIG. CRIB
Construction Materials: GRANITE/BRICK
Tower Shape: SMALL CYLINDRICAL TOWER ON DWELLING
Markings/Pattern: RED WITH WHITE TRIM
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1910


PECKS LEDGE LIGHT

LONG ISLAND SOUND/NORWALK ISLANDS
Station Established: 1906
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1906
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1933
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CAST IRON/CONCRETE CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON
Tower Shape: CONICAL ON CYLINDRICAL BASE
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BROWN BAND ON BLACK PIER
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER FRESNEL 1906


PENFIELD REEF LIGHT

BLACK HARBOR ENTRANCE/LONG ISLAND SOUND
Station Established: 1874
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1874
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1971
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: GRANITE CAISSON
Construction Materials: WOOD/GRANITE
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1874


SAYBROOK BREAKWATER LIGHT

CONNECTICUT RIVER/LONG ISLAND SOUND
Station Established: 1886
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1886
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1959
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CAST IRON/CONCRETE CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON/BRICK LINING
Tower Shape: CONICAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE TOWER ON BROWN PIER
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: FIFTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1886


SHEFFIELD ISLAND (NORWALK) LIGHT

SHEFFIELD ISLAND/ENTRANCE TO NORWALK RIVER
Station Established: 1828
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1868
Operational? NO
Automated? NO
Deactivated: 1902
Foundation Materials: DRESSED STONE/TIMBER
Construction Materials: METAL TOWER ON STONE DWELLING
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL ON SQUARE HOUSE
Height: 44 feet
Focal Plane: 51 feet
Markings/Pattern: WHITE TOWER/BLACK LANTERN ON DWELLING
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER FRESNEL 1857
Characteristic: Rotating red and white flashes

Chronology:

1804: Robert Sheffield purchased White Island for $6000
1826: Gershom Smith, Sheffield's son-in-law, sold 4 acres of the 53 acre island to the U.S. government for the first of 2 lights to be built on the island. He would serve as the first keeper.
1828: The first lighthouse was completed.
1857: A forth order Fresnel lens replaced the original 10 lamps and reflectors which were rotated with red and white flashes.
1868: The current lighthouse was built.
1902: The light was deactivated due to its distant location from the ledges it was designed to warn ships of. The Green Ledge Light replaced the Sheffield Island Light.
1914: The government sold the lighthouse and four acres of land to Thorsten O. Stabell for under $5000.
1930's: An attempt was made to create a resort on the island. It was shut down in 1937 due to a lack of fresh water.
1986: The Norwalk Seaport Association purchased the lighthouse and land from the Stabell family for $700,000.
1989: The lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1993: A utility generator was rebuilt and electricity was added to the keeper's house. That fall, a storm flooded the basement resulting in the loss of a number of artifacts.
2000, September: The Norwalk Seaport Association retired the mortgage on the property.
2002: Summer tours are available by ferry service from Norwalk.
Chronology was researched and written by Diane Hackney.


SOUTHWEST LEDGE (NEW HAVEN BREAKWATER) LIGHT

REEF AT MAIN ENTRANCE NEW HAVEN HARBOR
Station Established: 1877
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1877
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1973
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CAST IRON/CONCRETE CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE ON BROWN CAISSON W/BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL


STAMFORD HARBOR (CHATHAM ROCKS) LIGHT
STAMFORD HARBOR ENTRANCE/CHATHAM ROCK
Station Established: 1882
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1882
Operational? NO
Automated? YES
Deactivated: 1953
Foundation Materials: CAST IRON/CONCRETE CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON
Tower Shape: CONICAL ON CYLINDRICAL PIER
Markings/Pattern: WHITE TOWER ON RED PIER
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1882


STONINGTON HARBOR LIGHT

EAST SIDE OF HARBOR
Station Established: 1823
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1840
Operational? NO
Automated? NO
Deactivated: 1889
Foundation Materials: GRANITE
Construction Materials: GRANITE
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: NATURAL
Relationship to Other Structure: ATTACHED
Original Lens: SIXTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1856


STRATFORD POINT LIGHT

LONG ISLAND SOUND/HOUSATONIC RIVER
Station Established: 1822
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1881
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1970
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CONCRETE
Construction Materials: CAST IRON/BRICK LINING
Tower Shape: CONICAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BROWN BAND MIDWAY & BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: THIRD ORDER, FRESNEL 1881


STRATFORD SHOAL (MIDDLE GROUND) LIGHT

LONG ISLAND SOUND
Station Established: 1837
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1877
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1970
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: GRANITE ASHLAR CAISSON
Construction Materials: GRANITE BLOCKS
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL TOWER ON SQUARE DWELLING
Markings/Pattern: NATURAL W/WHITE LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1905