The point was the site of the Battle of Stonington during the War of 1812, where locals repelled a British naval bombardment.
The original 1840 lighthouse was decommissioned after its lens was deemed too low to be effective, leading to the construction of a new light on a nearby breakwater.
The current lighthouse museum structure was built using local granite blocks.
The point is geologically defined by its exposure to three distinct bodies of water, creating complex tidal currents.
The historic village of Stonington, surrounding the point, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stonington Point is a narrow, rocky peninsula marking the southernmost tip of the Stonington village peninsula in Connecticut. It serves as the physical confluence of the Long Island Sound, Little Narragansett Bay, and Fishers Island Sound. The site is home to the Old Stonington Lighthouse, which functioned from 1840 until 1889 and now operates as a local history museum. Visitors can view the breakwater that protects the harbor from Atlantic swells. The point offers unobstructed views of Fishers Island, New York, and Watch Hill, Rhode Island. It remains a primary public access point for coastal observation in this historic maritime town.
The shoreline rocks looking back toward the lighthouse with the harbor in the background.
Bring binoculars for spotting harbor seals and diverse waterfowl in the colder months.
Walk the perimeter of the point at low tide to explore the rocky shoreline.
Check local wind forecasts, as the point is fully exposed and experiences significant gusts.
Do not attempt to walk along the breakwater, as it is slippery, structurally uneven, and often closed to the public for safety.
The lighthouse museum is seasonal, typically operating from late spring through autumn; grounds are generally accessible year-round.
Respect the privacy of the surrounding residential neighborhood; stay on public pathways.
