Saybrook Breakwater Light, also known as the Outer Light, stands as a sentinel at Fenwick Point at the mouth of the Connecticut River near Old Saybrook, Connecticut. First lit on June 15, 1886, this iconic lighthouse has guided vessels safely into the river from Long Island Sound for nearly 140 years and has become a defining symbol of the Connecticut shoreline.
History of Saybrook Breakwater Light
Built at the southern end of the west breakwater (completed 1875), Saybrook Breakwater Light was authorized by an 1882 Congressional appropriation of $20,000, with an additional $18,000 added in 1884. The light was first exhibited on June 15, 1886, and pairs with the older Lynde Point Light (the “Inner Light,” built in 1803, 75 years its senior) to mark the harbor channel. The original fifth-order Fresnel lens was upgraded to a more powerful fourth-order lens on January 1, 1890. A 1,000-pound fog bell was installed in 1889 but was later replaced by a smaller 250-pound bell after local residents complained about the noise. The lighthouse was automated in 1959, and in September 1990 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Surviving the 1938 Hurricane
On September 21, 1938, Saybrook Breakwater Light took a direct hit from the Great New England Hurricane. Keeper Sidney Gross and assistant Bennett stayed in the tower as the storm tore away the bridge to the breakwater, the platform, the station’s boat, and even two kerosene fuel tanks (one 1,500 gallons, the other 600 gallons). Massive boulders from the breakwater itself were displaced. After the storm passed, Gross summarized the damage in a single famous log entry: “Everything swept away by the hurricane except the tower.” Both men survived; keeper Walter Eberle was less fortunate that day — he was killed when Whale Rock Lighthouse in Rhode Island was swept away in the same storm.
Saybrook Breakwater Light Architecture and Design
Saybrook Breakwater Light is a classic example of the “sparkplug” design — one of the early cast-iron cylindrical lighthouses built between the 1880s and 1920s. It stands 49 feet tall, with its light positioned at a focal height of 58 feet above mean high water. The tower is painted white above its brown pier foundation, with a black lantern room and double balcony. The cast-iron structure was manufactured by the Boston-based G. W. & F. Smith Iron Co. — a name still inscribed above the entrance door. The original fifth-order Fresnel lens (1886) was replaced with a fourth-order lens in 1890, and the modern 300 mm optic was installed in 1988, currently emitting a flashing green light every six seconds.
Cultural Recognition
Saybrook Breakwater Light is one of Connecticut’s most recognized landmarks. It has been featured on the state’s “Preserve the Sound” license plate — earning the nickname “the symbol of Old Saybrook” — and on the 2020 Connecticut “Preserve America” commemorative quarter. In 1959, an artist named Harley W. Griffiths painted the lighthouse from a photograph by Jarvis Andrews, and the resulting image appeared on Land O’ Lakes butter boxes distributed nationwide. The lighthouse can also be seen from the longtime Old Saybrook home of actress Katharine Hepburn at Fenwick.
Location and Surroundings
Situated at the southern end of the west jetty at the Connecticut River’s mouth, Saybrook Breakwater Light is approximately 3,000 feet from Lynde Point Light. The lighthouse is best viewed by boat, as it is not easily accessible from land. The surrounding area offers picturesque views of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut shoreline, making it a popular subject for photographers and maritime enthusiasts.
Visiting Saybrook Breakwater Light
While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, visitors can enjoy views of it from various vantage points in Old Saybrook.
Getting There
To view the lighthouse, visitors can head to Saybrook Point in Old Saybrook. From there, the lighthouse is visible across the water. For a closer look, local boat tours often pass by the lighthouse, offering unique perspectives and photo opportunities.
Visitor Guidelines
- The lighthouse is offshore and not accessible to the public — viewing only.
- Best vantage points are from Saybrook Point Park, Harvey’s Beach, and the Saybrook Point Marina.
- Bring a camera with a zoom lens — the lighthouse sits about 3,000 feet from Lynde Point Light.
- Local boat tours from Saybrook Point and Essex offer the closest views of both the Outer Light and the Inner Light.
Plan Your Visit
A visit to Old Saybrook provides an opportunity to appreciate the rich maritime history of Connecticut. While the Saybrook Breakwater Light is not open for tours, its presence adds to the scenic beauty of the area. Combining a viewing of the lighthouse with other local attractions, such as the nearby Lynde Point Light and the charming town center, makes for a fulfilling trip.
Saybrook Breakwater Light continues to stand as a testament to Connecticut’s nautical heritage, guiding mariners safely as it has for over a century.