Execution Rocks Lighthouse

Year Built

1849

Cost

$25,000

Type

Conical

Height

60 feet

Location

West end of Long Island Sound

Automated Year

1979

First Lit

1850

Lens Type

Fourth Order Fresnel, 1856 (original), APRB-251 (current)

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

White with brown band midway

Last Keeper - Date

John Kurian (1978 – 1979)

Description

The lighthouse and grounds are open to the public.

Brief History

•  On April 1, 1851, William Craft took over as head keeper, and both he and his assistant lived in the tower on the rock.
•  Congress allocated $19,000 on March 2, 1867 for “repairs and renovations” at the station.
•  Originally painted white, Execution Rocks Lighthouse received its distinctive brown band on May 15, 1899.
•  1918, A fire with an unknown origin caused $13,500 in damages. The engine house and machinery were destroyed, the tower and oil house were damaged and the windows, woodwork, gutters and eaves were also damaged.
•  In May 2007, Execution Rocks Lighthouse was excessed by the Coast Guard and offered to eligible entities through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000.