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New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse

This octagonal cast iron tower, standing 14 meters tall, was built in 1877 and first lit the same year. Its focal height reaches 17.5 meters, providing a geographic range of 12.5 nautical miles. The structure incorporates a lantern, gallery, and a two-story keeper's quarters, all mounted on a concrete caisson. Originally painted white with a black lantern and caisson, the lighthouse was refurbished and repainted in 2001. It displays a red light with a single flash every 5 seconds. Ownership transferred to Beacon Preservation in 2018.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the entrance to New Haven Harbor, guiding vessels past the harbor's protective breakwaters.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
17.5m
Geographic Range
12.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1877

Significant events: Coast Guard painted and refurbished in 2001, became available for transfer under NHLPA in 2015, sold at auction to Beacon Preservation in 2016, ownership transferred in 2018, Preservation Connecticut granted $9000 for repainting in 2022

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
New Haven(2.2 km)
Admiralty No.
J0780
USCG No.
1-21210
ARLHS No.
USA-778

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
and refurbished the lighthouse in 2001
Material
cast iron

Structure: A 14m octagonal Empire style cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, incorporating 2-story keeper's quarters, mounted on a concrete caisson. It is painted white with a black lantern and caisson.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Connecticut
Sea Region
Located at the west end of the detached East Breakwater, about 1.2 miles southwest of Five Mile Point, marking the entrance to New Haven Harbor, which is protected by three detached breakwaters.
Latitude
41.2344°
Longitude
-72.9121°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse at night?+
New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses displays the characteristic Fl Red 5s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is WEST HAVEN at 2.5 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include New Haven (3.4 NM N), BRANFORD (4.9 NM ENE), Milford (6.5 NM W), POOTATUCK (9.8 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse?+
New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near New Haven and West Haven Lighthouses Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.