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Penfield Reef Lighthouse: A Beacon of History

Discover the historic Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Fairfield, CT: a maritime landmark with tales of shipwrecks, ghostly legends, and stunning views.

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The Penfield Reef Lighthouse, standing a mile off the coast of Fairfield, Connecticut, has been a vital navigational aid since 1874. This historic lighthouse marks the dangerous Penfield Reef, a notorious hazard in Long Island Sound. Though not open for interior tours, its striking architecture and storied past make it a compelling landmark to view from the shore or by boat.

A brief summary to Penfield Reef Lighthouse

  • Connecticut, US

Local tips

  • The best views of the lighthouse are from the water, so consider a local boat tour.
  • Visit Penfield or Jennings Beach for distant views of the lighthouse from the Fairfield shoreline.
  • Bring binoculars for a closer look at the lighthouse from the shore.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading out, as boat tours are weather-dependent.
  • Visit in the late afternoon for beautiful sunset views with the lighthouse as a backdrop.
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Getting There

  • Boat

    The most direct way to approach Penfield Reef Lighthouse is by boat. Several marinas and harbors in Fairfield and Bridgeport offer boat tours and private charters that pass by the lighthouse. From Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport, a boat tour will take you past the lighthouse. Typical costs for a boat tour range from $30 to $60 per person, depending on the duration and type of tour. Private charters can cost significantly more, ranging from $200 to $500 for a half-day trip. Be sure to check the tour schedules and book in advance, especially during peak season.

  • Walking and Viewing from Shore

    While you cannot reach the lighthouse on foot, you can get a distant view from Penfield Beach or Jennings Beach in Fairfield. From I-95, take Exit 22 to Round Hill Road and turn right. Follow Round Hill Road across US 1 (Boston Post Road) into Beach Road. Turn right at Fairfield Beach Road. Follow the road south through a zig-zag intersection. A short distance from the intersection on the left is a narrow lane, across the street from College Place. Parking is available at Veterans Park on Reef Road, a short walk from the beach access point. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, a parking permit is required. Otherwise, parking is free. From the beach access point, the lighthouse is approximately 1.1 miles offshore. Bring binoculars for a better view.

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Discover more about Penfield Reef Lighthouse

The Penfield Reef Lighthouse stands as a sentinel in Long Island Sound, approximately 1.1 miles offshore from Fairfield, Connecticut. Erected in 1874, this lighthouse was crucial for guiding ships safely past the treacherous Penfield Reef, which had long been a scourge to mariners. The reef, extending over a mile from Penfield Beach, was known as the "Blue Line Graveyard" due to the numerous vessels that ran aground on it. The lighthouse itself is a remarkable feat of engineering, featuring a granite caisson foundation built in 1871 and a lighthouse building completed in 1873. The structure is designed in the Second Empire style, with an octagonal light tower rising from a two-story keeper's quarters. The lighthouse is made of granite and concrete. The original design included a kitchen, sitting room, and oil room on the first floor, with four bedrooms upstairs. Penfield Reef Lighthouse has a captivating history filled with tales of shipwrecks, dedicated keepers, and even ghostly encounters. One of the most well-known stories involves Keeper Frederick A. Jordan, who tragically drowned in 1916 while attempting to reach shore for Christmas. Legend has it that his ghost still haunts the lighthouse. The lighthouse was automated in 1971, ending nearly a century of resident keepers. Although the Fresnel lens has been replaced by a modern lens, the light remains an active aid to navigation. Today, Penfield Reef Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the lighthouse is not open to the public, it can be viewed from the shore or from a boat. Several local boat tours offer trips that provide excellent views of the lighthouse.

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