Penfield Reef Lighthouse: A Beacon of History

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 Although the Fresnel lens has been replaced by a modern lens, the light remains an active aid to navigation.Today, Penfield Reef Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.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.