Year first constructed 1877 Construction cast iron tower Opened 1877 Added to NRHP 29 May 1990 | Automated 1973 Height 14 m Material Cast iron | |
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Location New HavenConnecticutUnited States Foundation cast iron and concrete caisson basement Tower shape octagonal prism tower with balcony and lantern incorporating 2-storey keeper's quarter Similar Five Mile Point Light, New London Ledge Li, Greens Ledge Light, Penfield Reef Light, Saybrook Breakwater Light |
Southwest ledge light
Southwest Ledge Light is an active lighthouse in New Haven, Connecticut. United States, on the reef at main entrance to New Haven Harbor. It was one of the first to be built on a cylindrical iron foundation, an innovation by Maj. George H. Elliot to address shifting ice that is regarded to be very important in lighthouse design.
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History

Construction on the Southwest Ledge Lighthouse started in 1873 and was finished in 1877. The superstructure originally intended for this light was put on display at the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876; in order to more quickly finish the light, however, a duplicate superstructure was built and installed at this light. The original house remained at the exposition until its close, and was then used for the Ship John Shoal Light in Delaware Bay.
The lighthouse was automated in 1973.
The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 as Southwest Ledge Lighthouse.
The lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation.
The lighthouse has been placed up for sale in August 2016.
Keepers


