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While Lynde Point Lighthouse is a prominent feature of the Borough of Fenwick, its significance as a navigational aid and national historic landmark has much broader significance. Lynde Point is one of a series of major lighthouses constructed early in the 19th century to guide ships along the Connecticut coast from New York through Long Island Sound and out into the Atlantic.
New London was involved in the Lynde Point Lighthouse from its earliest days – even before it was built in Fenwick. NLMS’s McGuire Library archives contain a series of letters dealing with the rebuilding of the Lynde Point Lighthouse in 1838 (photo, above). As federal agents, U.S. Customs superintendents often oversaw administration of area lighthouses. In our collection, we have the detailed quarterly reports sent to Washington written by New London’s customs superintendent, Ingoldsby Work Crawford concerning the purchase of oil, wicks, and issues relating to regional lighthouse keepers.
Although things got off to a bumpy start, we have successfully managed the access issues in New London at Harbor Lighthouse (although local zoning rulings still prohibit any visits by school groups…). That lighthouse has been preserved, the grounds landscaped. We teach about Harbor Light every day at the Custom House museum and provide year-round public access. With new partners on the CT River, I believe we could do the same at Lynde Point. It is a beautiful lighthouse, with great teaching opportunities. We have hope.
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