Sheffield Island Light facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Sheffield Island Light
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sheffield Island, Norwalk, Connecticut |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1868 |
| NRHP reference No. | 88003222 |
| Added to NRHP | January 19, 1989 |
The Sheffield Island Light is an old and important lighthouse found at the southern tip of the Norwalk Islands in Norwalk, Connecticut. It helps mark the western side of the Norwalk River entrance, which flows into the northern part of Long Island Sound.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
Early Days and First Light
The island where the lighthouse stands was once called "White Island." In 1804, Captain Robert Sheffield bought it for $6,000. Later, in 1826, his son-in-law, Gershom Smith, sold about 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of the island to the United States government. This land was specifically for building a lighthouse.
The first lighthouse was finished in 1828. Gershom Smith became its first keeper, the person who looked after the light. At this time, the island was known as Smith Island. The very first light used oil to shine brightly.
Upgrades and New Design
In 1857, the lighthouse got an important upgrade. It received a special "fourth-order" Fresnel lens. A Fresnel lens is a type of lens that helps make the light from a lighthouse much brighter and more focused.
A new, taller lighthouse was built in 1868. This new building was made of limestone in a Victorian style. It had a light tower that was 44 feet (13 m) (about 13 meters) high. The Fresnel lens from 1857 was moved into this new structure.
The light from the new tower was 51 feet (16 m) (about 15.5 meters) above the water. This meant it could be seen from more than 12 miles (19 km) (about 19 kilometers) away! This lighthouse design was also used for other lighthouses nearby. These include Great Captain Island Light and Morgan Point Light in Connecticut. It was also similar to Old Field Point Light and Plum Island Light in New York, and Block Island North Light in Rhode Island.
Deactivation and Restoration
In 1900, another lighthouse called Greens Ledge Light was built to the west of Sheffield Island. This new light was better placed to warn ships about rocks and shallow areas near the harbors. Because of this, the Sheffield Island Light was turned off in 1902.
The lighthouse was put up for sale in 1914 and bought by Thorsten O. Stabell. Many years later, in 1986, the Norwalk Seaport Association bought the old lighthouse. They wanted to fix it up and bring it back to its former glory.
In 1989, the lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historical places in the United States. In 1993, an electric generator was added to the building. However, a big storm later that year flooded the basement, and some old items were lost.
Modern Use and Re-lighting
Since 2002, the Seaport Association has offered ferry rides to Sheffield Island. This allows visitors to see the historic lighthouse. In October 2011, the lighthouse was lit up again! A new solar-powered system was installed to make the light shine.
Today, the light is focused only towards the Norwalk side. It is not used for guiding ships anymore. Instead, it serves as a beautiful historical landmark.
See also
