The Thames River Lights Series (2), placed 7/26/02 in Groton, CT

The Thames River Lights Series

The Thames River enters Long Island Sound between New London on the
west bank and Groton on the east. The area is home to several
historic and beautiful lighthouses.

Begin your hunt on the Groton side of the river, on the Avery point
campus of the University of CT. Enter the campus through the main
gate and proceed to the gazebo. From the gazebo a large willow bears
330 degrees. At the base of the willow you have a beautiful view of
the New London Harbor Light on the western shore and the New London
Ledge Light to the south in the middle of the river.

New London Harbor Light was built in 1760, the fourth light in the
newly established colonies. In 1789 the first United States Congress
passed legislation placing its maintenance and control in the hands
of the newly created federal government. Substantial renovation and
alterations were done in 1800, 1833, and 1855. It remains an active
aid to navigation, a welcome beacon to many a returning submariner,
standing 89' above water with equal interval white, red sector every
6 seconds. Range white 14 nautical miles, red 11 nm.

To find the New London Harbor Light Letterbox, bear 350 degrees from
the willow to the corner of the retaining wall. The box is hidden
among the boulders just to the left of the edge of the wall.

Then walk along the gravel foot path that follows the water'e edge
south and east. Pause at the observation platform for a view of
several more distant lighthouses. On a clear day, at least 6
lighthouses are visible from this point. From east to west they are
Avery Point Light, Race Rock Light, North Dumpling Light, Little Gull
Light, New London Ledge Light, and New London Harbor Light.

Continue walking to the south on the foot path until you can sit at
the base of a lighthouse. This is Avery Point Light, built in 1943,
the youngest lighthouse in CT. Built as a memorial to lighthouse
keepers, it was lit from 1944 to 1967 but never officially accepted
as an aid to navigation. It needs substantial renovation. Consider
buying a brick to help fund the restortation.