Welcome to Lynde Point Lighthouse
History of Lynde Point
Retrieved from the Library of Congress
In 1802, the United States Government purchased the land at the entrance of the Connecticut River from William Lynde.
In 1803, a 34ft wooden tower was erected on the site. The lighthouse cost $2,200 to construct, which is approximately $60,000 in 2023. Abisha Woodward from New London was selected to construct the tower.
The first Keeper, Philp Grumley, served for fifteen years. Following Keeper Grumley, King Miller took over until he became the first casualty at the lighthouse. Keeper Miller reportedly drowned when his skiff overturned in the harbor in June 1827.
Daniel Whittlesey and his wife, Catharine Whittlesey, become the third and fourth keepers of Lynde Point.
In 1838, the Lighthouse was upgraded to the current tower. Costing $7,500, a 65ft brownstone tower was constructed by Jonathon Scranton, Volney Pierce, and John Wilcox of Madison, Connecticut.
The lighthouse has several recorded rescues. In 1915, Keeper Lawrence Gildersleeve, who had been born in Lynde Point, rescued two whose ship was stuck in the harbor’s ice.
What’s Next for the Lighthouse?
Currently, the lighthouse is in the process of being transferred in accordance with the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. This is a lengthy process that sees many interested groups applying to take ownership of the light. Keepers of the Light Foundation has submitted their application in hopes of being the selected group. You can view more of what our Foundation envisions for the future.
