Stratford Shoal Light

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Stratford Shoal Light
Location: Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Coordinates
WGS-84 (GPS)		 41°03′35″N, 73°06′05″W
Year first constructed: 1837
Year first lit: 1877 (current tower)
Automated: 1970
Foundation: Granite Ashlar Caisson
Construction: Granite blocks
Tower shape: Octagonal tower on square dewlling. Projection from house on pier
Markings/Pattern: Gray (natural) with white lantern
Height: 35 ft (60 feet above sea level)
Original lens: Fourth order Fresnel lens
Current lens: VRB-25
Range: 13 nm
Characteristic: white flash every 5 s, HORN: 1 blast ev 15s (2s bl).

Stratford Shoal Light, also known as Middle Ground Light in the USCG lights list, is a lighthouse in Connecticut, United States, in the middle of Long Island Sound half way between Port Jefferson, New York and Bridgeport, Connecticut

[edit] History

Originally, a lightship was stationed at the site in 1837. However, storms caused the ship to lose anchorage and drift off the site. The Stratford Shoal lighthouse was completed in 1877 to replace the lightship. It was automated in 1970 and is an active aid to navigation.

[edit] Historical information from the US Coast Guard web site

  • The sight for the Stratford Shoal Light in 1837. A lightship was stationed at the site in 1837. Ice and storms caused the ship to lose anchorage and drift off the site.
  • The lighthouse was completed in 1877 to replace the lightship. It is built of granite blocks. Storms caused numerous delays in completing the construction. The light was first lit in December 1877.
  • The remoteness of the station created difficult living conditions for the keepers. Over the years, the keepers performed many rescues.
  • The light was also known as Middleground Light. It was automated in 1970.
  • It is an active aid to navigation and not open to the public.

[edit] External links

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