New London Lighthouse
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Reaching a height of 90 feet, the New London Lighthouse has been guiding vessels in and out of the Long Island Sounds since its construction in 1801. Still an active navigational aid, it has eight sides and is situated on the west side of the New London harbor entrance. Its light can be seen 15 miles away. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the light but the lighthouse is owned by the New London Maritime Society. The lighthouse is the fourth one to be located at this site; the first was erected in 1760 or 1761. As such, it holds significant historical importance as one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. For this reason, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. At present, the lighthouse is not open to the public on a regular basis.
Images
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
The original lighthouse that was built in the colonial era operated until the current one was built in 1801. The lighthouse used the original lamps until 1855 when a fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed. The lighthouse keeper's house was built in 1863 to provide a living space for a lighthouse keeper. Having a home was an important incentive, as work as a lighthouse keeper could be a lonely occupation, especially in remote areas. The light was automated in 1912 and then electrified in 1930. The New London Maritime Society has operated the lighthouse since 2010.
Sources
Templeton, Dorothy B. "New London Lighthouse." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. May 29, 1990. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/89001470_text.