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Stratford Shoal Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇺🇸Connecticut, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Stratford Shoal Lighthouse

Also known as: Stratford Shoal Lighthouse

Stratford Shoal Light stands on an octagonal granite tower that is 11 meters tall. Originally built in 1837, its first light was exhibited in the same year. The tower is painted white and its focal height reaches 18 meters. It is situated on a shoal in the center of Long Island Sound, positioned roughly equidistant between Port Jefferson, New York, and Bridgeport, Connecticut. The lighthouse displays a white light on a 10-second cycle. Its Admiralty number is J0812.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Stratford Shoal Light, officially Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light, is a lighthouse on a shoal in the middle of Long Island Sound approximately halfway between Port Jefferson, New York and Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Focal Height
18m

Construction & History

Year Built
1837
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
J0812
USCG No.
1-21260
ARLHS No.
USA-1010
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7621986 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
granite

Location

City
Connecticut
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.0667°
Longitude
-73.1000°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Stratford Shoal Lighthouse at night?+
Stratford Shoal displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 seconds. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Stratford Shoal Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Stratford Shoal Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Port Jefferson at 6.6 NM to the S. Other ports served include MOUNT SINAI (7 NM SSE), Bridgeport (7.1 NM NNW), Bridgeport (7.1 NM NNW), POOTATUCK (7.4 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Stratford Shoal Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Stratford Shoal 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 Stratford Shoal Lighthouse?+
Stratford Shoal 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 Stratford Shoal Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Stratford Shoal 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.