Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program Connecticut Coastal Paddling Fairfield County Bridgeport Black Rock Harbor
Site Location:
Basic Information: Black Rock Harbor is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut on the Long Island Sound. The Black Rock Harbor Light on Fayerweather Island marks the entrance to the harbor on its east, while St. Mary's by the Sea forms its western beachhead. Seaside Park runs along the northeastern part of the harbor. The harbor is the mouth of Cedar Creek. It is a protected harbor that developed as a trade port and shipbuilding center in the 18th century. It is now primarily a recreational harbor, having been superseded by the Bridgeport Harbor, which was enlarged by substantial breakwaters in 1907. St. Mary's by the Sea is a residential walkway along
Long Island Sound. There are plenty of things for outdoor enthusiasts to
enjoy at Saint Mary’s by the Sea. Bring binoculars to watch the birds
and wildlife at this site. There are walkways for power walkers or those
looking for a leisurely stroll. The site also holds historic and
cultural interest for visitors to explore. Adjacent to the harbor there is also an affluent
neighborhood of Bridgeport also called Black Rock. Type: Harbor Water Type: Saltwater Season:
Site Contact Information:
Site Coordinates:
Longitude 73.220113
ºW Latitude
Location Map:
USGS Quadrangle: Bridgeport Navigational Charts: Use ChartKit Region 3, page 28; Maptech Waterproof Charts 1 and 16; and Maptech electronic and NOAA paper charts 12369 (1:20,000), 12364 (1:40,000), and 12363 (1:80,000). Use tide tables for Bridgeport. High tide at the Black Rock Harbor entrance is 4 minutes earlier; low tide is 3 minutes earlier. Use height of tide at Bridgeport for height of tide at Black Rock Harbor entrance. Mean tidal range is 6.9 feet.
Driving Directions:
Directions Map:
Boat Launch Information:
ADA Access: Site Description: Two lighthouses mark the approach to Black Rock Harbor. From the west, Penfield Light warns of a reef extending a mile offshore from Fairfield. And at the eastern edge of the harbor entrance, Fayerweather Light sits on an island of the same name. While it has been abandoned and is no longer used as a navigational aid, Fayerweather Light has not been forgotten. To residents it's both a welcoming landmark and a symbol that Black Rock is a survivor. Environment: Harbor Additional Info: Site History: In 1808, a light station was established at Fayerweather Island and the present tower was built there in 1823. At that time, critics feared that the small stones and timbers used to build the 47-foot tower would not hold. Fayerweather Island Light was decommissioned in 1932, given to the city of Bridgeport, and became part of Seaside Park. Vandals gradually gutted Fayerweather Light's interior, and then burned the 1879 keeper's house in 1977. The exterior of the lighthouse was never seriously damaged. In 1983, Fayerweather Island and its lighthouse got a good scrubbing; alas, they would again succumb to vandals and neglect.
In 1993, two local people, a caterer and an artist, started a fund to
preserve the lighthouse. Shortly afterward, lighthouse activists danced
the night away at the first annual Preservation Ball, an event that is
still held today. Restoration began in 1998 and was completed a year
later. Mortar matching the original lighthouse was used. The lantern
room was reglazed, all the rust was removed, and a protective stone
seawall was reconstructed to save the foundation. Expensive,
graffiti-resistant paint and steel-paned "windows" deter vandals. Solar
panels and equipment for lighting, not to be used for navigation but to
show off the structure at night, were donated by local power companies.
Workers and volunteers came from all over, but most were based at the
Black Rock marinas and yacht clubs. After all, it is their lighthouse,
an icon that has survived for nearly 180 years and continues to greet
sailors.
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