Stratford Shoal Light facts for kids

The Stratford Shoal Light is a historic lighthouse in the middle of Long Island Sound. It is also known as the Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light. This lighthouse helps boats navigate safely between Port Jefferson, New York and Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Where is the Stratford Shoal Light located?

The Stratford Shoal Light stands in the middle of Long Island Sound. It is about 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) from Old Field Point Light in New York. It is also 5.5 nautical miles (10.2 km) from Stratford Point Light in Connecticut. Because it is in the middle, it is sometimes called the Middleground or Middle Ground Light.

There used to be a debate about whether the lighthouse was in New York or Connecticut. New York State first gave the land to the U.S. government. However, most maps today show it on Connecticut's side of Long Island Sound. It is about 1,000 feet (300 m) into Connecticut's waters.

The lighthouse sits on a place called Stratford Shoal. A shoal is a shallow area in the water. This shoal is over a mile wide. It is only about nine feet (2.7 m) deep at its lowest point. For hundreds of years, this shallow area has been a danger to ships.

What is the history of the Stratford Shoal Light?

The history of the Stratford Shoal Light goes back a long way. Early explorers and the U.S. government recognized the need for a warning signal here.

Early Navigation Efforts

In 1614, Adriaen Block was the first European to explore Long Island Sound. He saw two small islands where Stratford Shoal is now. Over the next 100 to 200 years, these islands slowly disappeared under the water.

By 1820, the shoal was marked with simple spar buoys. These buoys were placed at its north and south ends. In 1831, the United States Congress set aside $1,000 for a warning beacon. But nothing more happened with that plan.

The Lightship LV-15

Instead of a beacon, Congress decided to build a "floating light." This was a lightvessel, or lightship. It was built in Norfolk, Virginia in 1837. The ship was 73 feet (22 m) long and weighed 100 tons.

The lightship had a lantern on each of its two masts. It also had a hand-operated bell and a foghorn for foggy weather. It was anchored near Stratford Shoal in January 1838.

However, the lightship often struggled to stay in place. It drifted off its station many times. Even with extra anchors, ice often dragged it away. For example, in 1875, it got stuck at Orient Point, New York. In 1876, it drifted all the way to Faulkner Island. In 1867, it was officially named LV-15.

Building the Permanent Lighthouse

The current Stratford Shoal Lighthouse was finished in 1877. It was built to replace the unreliable lightship. The lighthouse stands on a small island that people made. This island is where the two natural islands used to be.

At first, lighthouse keepers lived and worked at the lighthouse. They kept the light burning and maintained the building. In 1970, the lighthouse became automated. This means machines now run it, and no one lives there anymore. It still works today, guiding ships.

The lighthouse is an important example of how lighthouses were built back then. It shows the huge effort needed to build structures in tricky waters like Long Island Sound.

Yacht Racing Around the Lighthouse

The Stratford Shoal Lighthouse is a popular landmark for boaters. Several yacht clubs in Long Island Sound use it as a marker for races. These races are often called the Stratford Shoals Race.

One famous race, organized by the Riverside Yacht Club, started in 1931. It still happens every year. Other clubs, like Lloyd Harbor YC and Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, also hold races around the lighthouse.

Who were the Head Keepers?

For many years, dedicated people called head keepers lived and worked at the lighthouse. They were responsible for keeping the light shining and ensuring ships were safe. Here are some of the head keepers: