Morgan Point Light facts for kids
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| Morgan Point Light | |
 Morgan Point Light
Location in Connecticut
Morgan Point Light
Location in the United States
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| Location | Noank Connecticut United States |
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| Coordinates | 41°18′59.23″N 71°59′21.69″W / 41.3164528°N 71.9893583°W |
| Year first constructed | 1831 (first) 1868 (second) |
| Year first lit | n/a (Noank Light 5 active light) |
| Deactivated | 1919 |
| Foundation | granite building |
| Construction | wooden tower |
| Tower shape | octagonal tower with balcony and lantern on front the keeper's house (second) square skeletal tower with light (Noank Light 5 active light) |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, black lantern (second) |
| Height | 52 ft (16 m) (second) |
| Focal height | 61 ft (19 m) (second) 17 ft (5.2 m) (Noank Light 5 active light) |
| Original lens | Sixth order Fresnel lens (removed) |
| Characteristic | Q G (Noank Light 5 active light) |
| Admiralty number | J0676 (Noank Light 5 active light) |
| ARLHS number | USA-514 |
| USCG number | 1-20510 ( Noank Light 5 active light) |
Morgan Point Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Noank, Connecticut, United States. It stands on the west side of the entrance to the Mystic River. Lighthouses like this one help guide ships safely.
A Look Back: Morgan Point Lighthouse History
The very first lighthouse at Morgan Point was built in 1831. It was a granite tower about 25 feet (7.6 meters) tall. However, many sailors complained that its light wasn't bright enough.
As shipbuilding became more important in the area, a stronger light was needed. So, in 1868, the current Morgan Point Lighthouse was built. This new lighthouse was much better.
In 1919, the Morgan Point Lighthouse was no longer used by the government. It was then sold to a private owner. Today, it is a private home and is not open to the public.
Lighthouse Design and Features
The Morgan Point Lighthouse has a special design. It looks similar to other lighthouses in the region. These include the lighthouses at Sheffield Island in Norwalk and Great Captain Island in Greenwich. Others are Old Field Point Light and Plum Island in New York. Also, the Block Island North in Rhode Island shares this design.
The building is made of granite blocks. It has an eight-sided tower that rises above the main house. The roof is covered with slate shingles. Inside, the room where the lightkeeper lived was designed like a ship's cabin. It even had a fold-out desk and a built-in bed.
The lighthouse is part of the Noank Historic District. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Noank Light 5: The Current Beacon
Even though the Morgan Point Lighthouse is no longer active, ships still need a light in the area. This is where Noank Light 5 comes in. It is the active light that replaced the old lighthouse.
Noank Light 5 is located offshore from Morgan Point. It stands on the west side of the Mystic River entrance. This light is a small tower made of metal on a stone base. It sends out a quick green light to guide boats. 41°18′59″N 71°59′14″W / 41.316318°N 71.987196°W
