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Go Home What's New Monthly Calendar Sports & Recreation Ranger Programs Outdoor Adventure Parks Information The Tree Line Community Gardens and Greenspaces Adopt-A-Tree Staff Job Opportunities Related Links ECPC Site Map |
East Rock Park
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Edgewood Park
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Lighthouse Point
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West Rock
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About the Park |
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General Information| Telephone Numbers | |
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| East Shore Ranger Lighthouse Park Permits Park Administration Outdoor Adventure Coord. Carousel Private Rental Camps Beach Volley Ball League |
203-946-8790 203-946-8020 203-946-8019 203-946-6768 203-946-8327 203-946-8027 203-946-8022 |
Introduction to Lighthouse
Point ParkFor a brief 73 years light beams from the lighthouse at Lighthouse Point extended welcoming, comforting arms to ships and sailors returning from voyages from the four corners of the world.
Today the beacon from the New Haven Light House at Lighthouse
Point is dark, but the tower remains, greeting ships from around the
world to New Haven.
The New Haven Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point in New Haven is located at the
Eastern point of New Haven Harbor. Old Maps show it as Five Mile Point called
that because that is the distance between it and the center of New Haven. It
was also called Morris Point during the Colonial period.
The original lighthouse was a shingled, wooden structure, octagonal in shape. Constructed by A. Woodward, it showed a fixed white light generated by eight lamps and thirteen-inch reflectors, arranged on a circular table.
The tower was approximately 18 feet at its base and 30 feet tall. An iron latern surrounded the top of the tower. It is believed that the first lantern burned whale oil. Opinion varies on how far its beacon could be seen, some said only 5 maritime miles, others said it could be seen for 12 miles. All agreed that for the seamen relying on a strong beacon to keep them off the rocky shore, the New Haven lighthouse, with is week light and low elevation, was no protection from disaster. At least one ship ran onto the rocks, reportedly just one mile from the lighthouse, and was pounded to pieces.
Because it was located too far north on the shore to be seen by ships coming from the east it was decided that a new lighthouse was needed. Congress appropriated $10,000 for a new facility and the new lighthouse opened in 1847.
Also octagonal in shape, (a Connecticut lighthouse trademark) the exterior was constructed by Marcus Bassett. Made of sandstone from East Haven, furnished by Jabez Potter, the sandstone was hauled over difficult terrain by horse-draw drays. The interior was lined with New Haven brick. The circular staircase, with its 74 steps guiding the way to the lantern, are made of granite from local quarries. The last eight feet to the top are reached from a landing via a 8 foot metal ladder through a hatch. Painted white, the tower is 97 feet above sea level. During the 1860's, the station's fog signal was a bell operated by caloric engine; in 1871, its mechanism was replaced by a Steven's striking apparatus which sounded every 15 seconds. The first light was achieved with 12 lamps and 20 one-inch reflectors. In 1855 the light was upgraded to a fourth-order Fresnel lens.
The light keeper's house was originally attached to the lighthouse by a wooden passage way, which has long since disappeared. The two story brick structure is still in tact, and, most unusual, the out-building, used for storage of supplies and oil, has survived.
The Present Lighthouse
In 1924 the City of New Haven purchased Lighthouse Point Park from the East Shore Amusement Company. City residents came to the park to enjoy swimming, ferry boat rides to Savin Rock, track meets, football games, field days and baseball leagues in the old grandstand/ballpark. The park, in the roaring 20’s, attracted legends Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb to Sunday afternoon games.
The hurricane of 1938 ripped through the park, destroying many buildings and trees. In 1950 the City was able to make major improvements at the park including a new bathhouse, a first aid station and concession stands. A small amusement park was added and the beach was greatly improved.
Today, the park attracts thousands to the public beach to enjoy the beauty of Long Island Sound. Devoted anglers take advantage of the fishing pier and a public boat launch that is available for leisure craft. Picnic tables dot the grounds, shaded by trees and pavilions. Kids can enjoy the playground and swings.
The park is one of the most popular spots for bird watching along the East Coast. Each fall and spring, thousands of song birds and birds of prey are seen in the migratory oasis along Morris Creek. In the fall, our park rangers and various ornithological groups conduct research and provide bird migration programs for park visitors.
The New Haven Harbor lighthouse is also known as the Five Mile Point Light, because it sits on a point of land five miles from the New Haven Green.
The history of the lighthouse began in 1804 when Amos Morris sold one acre to the U.S. Government for $100. On this site, the first lighthouse and keeper’s house were built of wood. In 140 work began to construct the 70 foot lighthouse, with sandstone quarried from East Haven and a solid brick interior. Its spiral granite staircase leads up to the lantern loft where the lighthouse lens was mounted. It was the keeper's duty to make sure the light was burning on all nights. By day he was to clean the lens, polish all brass, and fill the lamp with fuel. This lighthouse guided many ships into the harbor until 1877 when the Southwest Ledge light was built nearby on a Long Island Sound breakwater.
In 1990, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1985 the ranger station at Lighthouse Point Park was opened and has been the headquarters of the East Shore Ranger program ever since. East Shore Park, Fort Nathan Hale/Black Rock Fort and Lighthouse Point Park are all serviced from the ranger station at lighthouse. Programs are varied but focus upon seashore and marine ecology, maritime history, and the history of the forts.
Butterfly Garden
The ranger station houses a salt water hands-on “touch tank” and several smaller aquarium tanks where visitors learn and even hold live specimens from Long Island Sound. Other displays include an interactive sailing ship's deck complete with a ship's wheel, sailor's hammock, and sails that can be raised and lowered. In 2001 the East Shore Rangers began leading tours to the top of the Lighthouse. Tours are by group reservations only and can be arranged by contacting The East Shore Ranger at 203-946-0790.
Touch Tank Denizens
A major thrust of the East Shore Ranger program remains the provision of interpretive nature oriented recreational learning for park visitors and interested citizens. Special emphasis, however, has been placed on curriculum oriented programs for school-aged children. The East Shore Ranger programs have been a magnet for school visits from both New Haven as well as throughout Connecticut. Classroom programs are complimented by visits to Lighthouse Park to reinforce the message that New Haven parks are irreplaceable public resources, habitat to myriads of wildlife, and special environments to be preserved, used and enjoyed by all. For additional information on curriculum based programs, consult the "Educational Services Program Guide" available by mail or in person at any of the ranger facilities throughout the City of New Haven.
Several water-based adventure programs, including canoeing, kayaking are conducted at Lighthouse. For information on either of these or the "Canoe New Haven" schedule, please contact the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator of The New Haven Park Rangers at 203-944-6768.
Paddle Day -
The East Shore Rangers instituted the annual "Paddle
Day", which occurs once each summer at Lighthouse Point Park. This
is an opportunity for individuals interested in canoeing and kayaking
to experience one of our numerous kayaks or canoe upstream on Morris
Creek.
Hawkfest -
In September, the East Shore Ranger program joins with East
Rock Ranger and the rest of the Ranger staff to host the annual "Hawkfest" at
Lighthouse Point Park in conjunction with several New Haven area birding,
butterfly, and environmental organizations.
The park is located on the Atlantic flyway, a major route for butterflies, hawks, and many other bird species in their annual migration south for the winter months. Events include bird watching walks, hawk displays, butterfly observations, and the annual hawk count, among others.
Call the East Shore Ranger at 203-946-8790 or the East Rock Ranger at 203-946-6086 for information on the Hawkfest or visit the East Shore Ranger page.
Fantasy of Lights - November 17 - December 31, 2006
Imagine driving through an enchanting land of spectacular holiday light displays. When you enter the park, your senses fill with all the imagery that lends itself to this magical time of year. Don't be surprised to see teddy bears throwing snowballs, elves playing volleyball or a snowman waving to you. At every turn, Fantasy of Lights will delight children and adults of all ages!
This event brings visitors from all over the state including NY and MA and benefits Easter Seals Goodwill Industries. We hope you can join us at Lighthouse Point Park. Click here to download our 2006 poster.
For more information, call:
Stan Kontogiannis at Easter Seals Goodwill Industries, 203-777-2000 x262,
or visit Easter Seals New Haven at newhavengoodwill.easterseals.com
The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park — Although there were more than 10,000 such carousels in operation in the 1920's, The Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today. For a small fee, come take a ride on one of the 72 figures mounted in 20 ranks on a 60 foot platform. The carousel is also available for private functions. For rental information call 203-946-8327.
Lighthouse Park Splashpad - Prepare to make your way slowly and safely through one of the Park's newest attractions. The series of fresh water fountains are designed to both delight and refresh all who come. The splashpad is located near the beach and adjacent to the bath house. Rules for its use are posted at the entrance.
Penney Press - Bring quarters, help sustain the parks, and make your own lighthouse or carousel souvenir!
Harbor and Pagoda Pavilions - Daily rentals are available on a reservation basis only. Click here to download a permit request form.
Refreshments - The summer concession operates 7 days a week from 9:30am to 5:00pm
Watch for green Lighthouse Park signs directing you to the park along Townsend Avenue
Connecticut Transit Provides Bus Service to Lighthouse VIA the G Line
The Carousel at Lighthouse
Point Park – The Lighthouse Point Park Carousel is a unique and magnificent treasure. Built in 1916, it is a rare and important example of American folk art. Although there were more than 10,000 such carousels in operation in the 1920s, the Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today.
To read more about the history of the beatuiful antique Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park, to view photos of the carousel and surrounding park, and to download information about rentals for special events, go to the 
Parks Carousel page.
