3 Lighthouses to Visit in Southeast Connecticut
A Guide to Coast Guard Light Stations and a Lighthouse Museum
Nov 13, 2008
Lighthouses currently serve as beacons for pleasure boats and commercial ships navigating the coastline, and as tourist attractions, picnic spots or even places of hauntings. While most working lighthouses today are operated and maintained by the United States Coast Guard, a few are privately owned or maintained by specific foundations or societies, and may be open to the public.
Tourists can get a closer look at three lighthouses in southeastern Connecticut, each of which have their own interesting setting, unique features, and place in history. With an early start, a good map, and a picnic lunch, visitors can see all three lighthouses in one day. Keep in mind that only one of the lighthouses on this tour is open for the public to climb, and there is a fee.
New London Harbor Light
New London Harbor Light on Pequot Avenue in New London is currently set on private property, where there is also a private residence, but the lighthouse is operated by the Coast Guard. This tall, black-and-white structure embodies the look of what might be called "typical" for a lighthouse, and has become a symbolic image for New London. It is also the oldest and tallest lighthouse in the state. Because the lighthouse is located right along Pequot Avenue, a simple drive-by gives a close-up view. After a visit here, follow Pequot Avenue south along the Thames River, to stop by the roadside and get a view of the next lighthouse.
New London Ledge Light
Use binoculars to get a better look at this unusual, square-shaped, brick lighthouse standing at the mouth of the Thames River where it meets Long Island Sound. The lighthouse has long been rumored to be haunted by a ghost named “Ernie,” and even attracted the team from the Sci-Fi Channel’s “Ghost Hunters” program to explore what might be going on out there. Of course, the best views of this lighthouse would be by boat, but once there, note that the structure is not open to the public. For those who really want to go inside, Project Oceanology out of Groton, CT, currently offers summertime cruises to the lighthouse, for a fee, and visitors are escorted onto the property.
Old Lighthouse Museum
Nestled among residential properties in Stonington Borough, off of Route 1 in Stonington, the Old Lighthouse Museum is a quaint, stone building with a round tower, open from May to November. This small property, with six rooms of exhibits, is located at the southern tip of the Borough at Stonington Point. For a fee, visitors can take a tour and view items related to the history of the town and region, including Stonington pottery, artifacts from the 1814 Battle of Stonington, and even paper currency from the old Stonington Bank. Climb the circular stairway to the lantern room for a panoramic view of Stonington harbor. It’s a very short climb, and watch out—it's a tight fit. The property has a grassy lawn for visitors to enjoy a brief rest or quick lunch. For an early peek, take an online tour of this museum by visiting the Stonington Historical Society’s web site.
Learn more about each of these three lighthouses in southeastern Connecticut by visiting the web page "New England Lighthouses: A Virtual Guide" or the "Coast Guard Historic Light Station" web page for Connecticut.
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