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Lighthouses and Lifesaving Along the Connecticut and Rhode Island Coast

Alexander Blair

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The Connecticut and Rhode Island coastlines are dotted with lighthouses and lifesaving stations, each with its own unique story to tell. These historic landmarks have played a vital role in protecting mariners for centuries, and they continue to be an important part of the region's maritime heritage.

Lighthouses and Lifesaving Along the Connecticut and Rhode Island Coast

by Rick Wicker

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Lighthouses

The first lighthouse in Connecticut was built in 1760 on New London Harbor. This lighthouse, known as the New London Ledge Light, was one of the first in the United States. Over the years, many other lighthouses were built along the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastlines, including:

Avery Point Light (Groton, CT)
Black Rock Harbor Light (Bridgeport, CT)
Branford Point Light (Branford, CT)
Bristol Harbor Light (Bristol, RI)
Charles Island Light (New Haven, CT)
Falkner Island Light (Guilford, CT)
Great Point Light (Nantucket, MA)
Greenwich Point Light (Greenwich, CT)
Horseshoe Reef Light (Stratford, CT)
Lyme Light (Old Lyme, CT)
Middle Ground Light (Branford, CT)
New Haven Harbor Light (New Haven, CT)
New London Harbor Light (New London, CT)
Pequonnock River Light (Bridgeport, CT)
Point Judith Light (Narragansett, RI)
Race Rock Light (New London, CT)
Saybrook Breakwater Light (Old Saybrook, CT)
Stratford Point Light (Stratford, CT)
Watch Hill Light (Westerly, RI)

These lighthouses served a variety of purposes. Some were built to mark dangerous shoals and reefs, while others were used to guide ships into harbors. Still others were used to mark the entrances to rivers and canals.

Lifesaving Stations

In addition to lighthouses, the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastlines were also home to a number of lifesaving stations. These stations were established in the 19th century in response to the increasing number of shipwrecks along the coast. The stations were staffed by trained lifesavers who were responsible for rescuing shipwrecked mariners.

The first lifesaving station in Connecticut was established in 1849 at New Haven Harbor. Over the years, many other lifesaving stations were built along the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastlines, including:

Avery Point Lifesaving Station (Groton, CT)
Black Rock Lifesaving Station (Bridgeport, CT)
Branford Point Lifesaving Station (Branford, CT)
Bristol Harbor Lifesaving Station (Bristol, RI)
Charles Island Lifesaving Station (New Haven, CT)
Falkner Island Lifesaving Station (Guilford, CT)
Great Point Lifesaving Station (Nantucket, MA)
Greenwich Point Lifesaving Station (Greenwich, CT)
Horseshoe Reef Lifesaving Station (Stratford, CT)
Lyme Lifesaving Station (Old Lyme, CT)
Middle Ground Lifesaving Station (Branford, CT)
New Haven Harbor Lifesaving Station (New Haven, CT)
New London Harbor Lifesaving Station (New London, CT)
Pequonnock River Lifesaving Station (Bridgeport, CT)
Point Judith Lifesaving Station (Narragansett, RI)
Race Rock Lifesaving Station (New London, CT)
Saybrook Breakwater Lifesaving Station (Old Saybrook, CT)
Stratford Point Lifesaving Station (Stratford, CT)
Watch Hill Lifesaving Station (Westerly, RI)

The lifesaving stations played a vital role in saving the lives of shipwrecked mariners. The stations were equipped with boats, lifeboats, and other equipment that was used to rescue survivors from the water. The lifesavers also provided medical care and other assistance to the survivors.

Today

Today, many of the lighthouses and lifesaving stations along the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastlines are still in operation. Some of the lighthouses have been automated, but many of the lifesaving stations have been converted into museums or other public spaces.

These historic landmarks are a reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the sacrifices that have been made to protect mariners over the centuries. They are also a valuable part of the region's maritime heritage, and they continue to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

Lighthouses and Lifesaving Along the Connecticut and Rhode Island Coast

by Rick Wicker

5 out of 5