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| New Haven Harbor Lighthouse
The New Haven Harbor lighthouse is also known as the Five Mile Point Light because it sits on a point of land five miles from the New Haven Green.
The history of the lighthouse began in 1804 when Amos Morris sold one acre to the U.S. Government for $100. On this site, the first lighthouse and keeper’s house were built of wood. In 140 work began to construct the 70-foot lighthouse, with sandstone quarried from East Haven and a solid brick interior. Its spiral granite staircase leads up to the lantern loft where the lighthouse lens was mounted. It was the keeper's duty to make sure the light was burning all night. By day he was to clean the lens, polish all brass, and fill the lamp with fuel. This lighthouse guided many ships into the harbor until 1877 when the Southwest Ledge light was built nearby on a Long Island Sound breakwater.
In 1990, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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| Beach at Point Lighthouse Park |
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| The Carousel & Ballroom at Lighthouse Point Park |
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| New Haven Harbor Lighthouse |
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| New Haven Harbor Lighthouse |
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| Beach and Lighthouse |
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| Boat |
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| Butterfly Garden |
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| Butterfly Garden
Annual Migration Festival -
In September, the Ranger staff hosts the Annual Migration Festival at Lighthouse Point Park in conjunction with Audubon Connecticut and several New Haven area birding, butterfly, and environmental organizations.
The park is located on the Atlantic Flyway, a major route for butterflies, hawks, and many other bird species in their annual migration south for the winter months. Events include bird-watching walks, hawk displays, butterfly observations, and the annual hawk count, among others.
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| Beach at New Haven's Lighthouse Park
In 1924 the City of New Haven purchased Lighthouse Point Park from the East Shore Amusement Company. City residents came to the park to enjoy swimming, ferry boat rides to Savin Rock, track meets, football games, field days, and baseball leagues in the old grandstand/ballpark. The park, in the roaring ’20s, attracted legends Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb to Sunday afternoon games.
The hurricane of 1938 ripped through the park, destroying many buildings and trees. In 1950 the City was able to make major improvements at the park including a new bathhouse, a first aid station, and concession stands. A small amusement park was added and the beach was greatly improved.
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