Despite its small size and its relatively short seacoast, surprisingly Connecticut has nearly two dozen historic lighthouses. Without the help of a state lighthouse society, very few lighthouses are open to the public. Some sites are open, but lighthouse fans will have to enjoy some of these landmarks by boat. Five Mile Point and Faulkner's Island lighthouses offer annual open-houses, and the Sheffield Island and Stonington Harbor lighthouses are open daily, but the majority of Connecticut's lighthouse towers remain closed to the public. And the same held true for the Stratford Point Lighthouse for a long time.
   Where Stratford Point juts out into Long Island Sound and the Housatonic River enters the Atlantic Ocean, Stratford Point Lighthouse marks this important waterway. Still operating as a navigational aid, the original keeper's house was occupied by a Coast Guard and on off until 2018, and was understandably off limits to the public.
   This active maritime port, just west of Bridgeport, was first established in 1822. The present day lighthouse, standing 35 feet tall, is made of cast iron and lined with brick. Its broad red stripe, seeming to match the red roof of the frame Victorian keeper's quarters, is an attention getting day marking. The keeper's residence dates back to 1881 when the tower was also built. Light keepers maintained the light station for 80 years until the light was automated in 1963. The lighthouse was refurbished in 1990, outfitted with new optics and repainted in 1996, maintaining its original look.
   Located at the end of Prospect Drive (Lane), off Route 113 and Oak Bluff Avenue in Stratford, the lighthouse grounds are open to view the lighthouse. The Stratford Point property is generally open during the week from 8 am to 5 pm, but the lighthouse is not open to the public.

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