Five Mile Point Light

The Five Mile Point Light is a historic lighthouse located on the coast of New Haven, Connecticut, in Long Island Sound.

Overview

• The beacon's name derives from its proximity to Downtown New Haven, about five miles away.

History

1. The original lighthouse consisted of a 30-foot octagonal wooden tower built in 1805 by Abisha Woodward.
2. In 1847, a new 80-foot octagonal tower was constructed by Marcus Bassett with East Haven brownstone. This new beacon was illuminated by 12 lamps with reflectors positioned 97 feet above sea level.
3. A fourth-order Fresnel lens replaced the lamps in 1855, and a fog bell was added in the 1860s.
4. The Five Mile Point Light was deactivated in 1877 when the nearby Southwest Ledge Light was completed.

Architecture

The lighthouse tower is constructed from East Haven brownstone and stands at a height of 80 feet (24 meters). The beacon features an octagonal shape with a distinctive lantern room at its top. The building's architecture reflects the style of the mid-19th century, with a focus on functionality and practicality.

Location

The Five Mile Point Light is located in Lighthouse Point Park, near Park Drive in New Haven, Connecticut. The park offers scenic views of Long Island Sound and the surrounding coastline.

Visiting Information

The lighthouse is currently contained within Lighthouse Point Park and is open to visitors. However, please note that access may be limited due to conservation efforts or weather conditions.

Heritage Status

The Five Mile Point Light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The building's heritage status reflects its importance as a historic lighthouse and its contribution to the region's maritime history.

Notable Historical Events

The Five Mile Point Light played an important role in the maritime history of New Haven Harbor, serving as a beacon for ships entering the harbor. Its construction and operation helped to establish the city as a major commercial center during the 19th century.

The five mile point light was also notable for its use of a fourth order fresnel lens