Lighthouse History - New London Ledge

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated with lighthouses. My father used to have a large collection of miniature lighthouses in his office, and they always intrigued me - their shape, size, color, etc. I've been fortunate enough to see a "few" lighthouses over the past few years, and I thought it would be neat to share some of those with you, along with a little history about each.

One of the most unique lighthouses that I have ever seen was the New London Ledge Lighthouse. This is not your typical lighthouse that stands tall along the seashore. Instead, this is a small, almost house-like, size lighthouse that sits literally in the middle of the water (almost like a buoy).

I was able to see it in August 2008, while cross the Long Island Sound onboard a ferry (which is really the only way to see the New London Ledge - via boat). At first, I didn't really think much about it and only snapped a few photos, and now recently, I have done a little research into the history & importance of this light.



The New London Ledge Lighthouse is located near both New London & Groton, Connecticut. When talk came around the town about building a lighthouse to help guide vessels from the Atlantic thru the Long Island Sound and eventually onto the Thames River and into the New London Harbor, many townspeople did not want a tall structure amidst their historic & large homes. Initially the lighthouse was created onshore in 1801, but it did not aid the vessels adequately. The present-day lighthouse (or light-station as some refer to it), was built in 1909. There are rumors that this lighthouse is haunted by a ghost named "Ernie" (after a former lighthouse keeper who reportedly killed himself), this is of course, is all rumored, but Coast Guardsmen, who used to be stationed inside the lighthouse, reported hearing strange sounds & knocks upon their bedroom doors! (Woooo, spoooooky!!!)

Eventually, it was deemed that the lighthouse no longer needed manning. And in 1987, the New London Ledge became the last remaining lighthouse on the Long Island Sound to be manned before switching over to automation. Today, the lighthouse is cared for by the New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation; and it is also used occasionally as a maritime classroom by the United States Coast Guard, which continues to maintain the automated light.

I think this is one of the most unique lighthouses that I have seen in many years. And if you happen to be visiting up "North" and decide to take a cruise across the Long Island Sound from Connecticut to New York, be sure to be on the lookout for the New London Ledge!