Avery Point Lighthouse
National Register of Historic Places

Avery Point Lighthouse

Groton, New London County, Connecticut
Listed
August 22, 2002
Type
Structure
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
02000866

About this property

Avery Point Light or Avery Point Lighthouse is located in Groton, Connecticut, on the Avery Point Campus of the University of Connecticut. The lighthouse was built in March 1943, but it was not illuminated until May 1944 due to concerns of possible enemy invasion during World War 2. Its original light consisted of eight 200-watt bulbs that were replaced by a flashing green light in 1960. It was deactivated on June 25, 1967, when the United States Coast Guard Training Station moved to Governors Island. It is officially listed as the last lighthouse built in the state; the only other claimant is the replica Mystic Seaport Light. The lighthouse deteriorated until the University of Connecticut declared it to be a hazard in 1997. A restoration effort was launched in 1999 through the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) and the Avery Point Lighthouse Society. The restoration of the lighthouse began in 2001 and was completed in 2006, requiring a replica lantern, extensive structural repairs, and replacement of crumbling blocks. Bills were appropriated for $150,000 and $100,000 and used to complete the restoration. The relighting and re-dedication of the lighthouse was held on October 15, 2006. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Location

Groton, New London County, Connecticut
41.31525, -72.06361

Categories

MARITIME HISTORYMILITARY
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Nearby Historic Sites

Branford House
Industrial
0.2 mi
Eastern Point Historic District
Listed
0.7 mi
New London Ledge Lighthouse
Industrial
1 mi
New London Harbor Lighthouse
Industrial
1.4 mi
Pequot Colony Historic District
Listed
1.5 mi

Nearby Battles

Battle of Groton Heights (Fort Griswold)
1781Revolutionary War
2.4 mi
Battle of Fort Griswold — Groton Massacre
1781Revolutionary War
2.5 mi
Battle of Fort Griswold (Groton Heights)
1781Revolutionary War
2.6 mi

Questions about this property

When was Avery Point Lighthouse listed on the National Register?

Avery Point Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 22, 2002.

What type of historic resource is Avery Point Lighthouse?

Avery Point Lighthouse is classified as a structure in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Avery Point Lighthouse?

The period of significance for Avery Point Lighthouse is recorded as the industrial era, specifically around 1943.

Can I research the history near Avery Point Lighthouse?

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