Accessibility: 
Geographic coordinates: 41° 08' 33" N 73° 13' 00" W
Nearest city: Bridgeport. Located on a seven-acre island at the entrance to Black Rock Harbor, Long Island Sound.
Established: 1808. Present lighthouse built: 1823. Deactivated: 1933.
Height of tower: 47 feet.
Previous optic: Fifth-order Fresnel lens. Present optic: none.
Bridgeport’s Black Rock Harbor was once an important center for trade and shipbuilding. All that’s left of this light station is the 1823 rubblestone tower, which replaced the original lighthouse after it was destroyed in a hurricane. The keeper’s house was destroyed by fire in 1977.
The most fascinating character in Fayerweather Island’s history was Kate Moore, daughter of keeper Stephen Tomlinson Moore. When her father became disabled, young Kate took over most of the lightkeeping duties. Kate maintained a garden, cared for a flock of sheep, carved and sold duck decoys, and had a thriving oyster business. When her father died in 1871, Kate finally was appointed as the official keeper; she resigned eight years later. After retirement, Kate was asked if she missed her old home. “Never,” she answered. “The sea is a treacherous friend.”
After the light was discontinued, the tower fell into disrepair. The island later became part of Bridgeport’s Seaside Park, a 370-acre recreation area established largely through the efforts of favorite son P. T. Barnum. The Black Rock Seaport Foundation, affiliated with the Black Rock Community Council, oversaw a 1998 restoration of the lighthouse. Solar-powered lights illuminate the tower at night, but the lighthouse is not an aid to navigation.
The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but you can reach the grounds via a mildly strenuous walk from the western end of Seaside Park. From I-95 South, take exit 27 (Lafayette Boulevard). Take the University of Bridgeport/Transportation Center ramp. Continue straight on South Avenue for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Park Avenue and follow to the park. From I-95 North, take exit 27 (Lafayette Boulevard). After a short distance, turn left onto Myrtle Avenue, and then turn right onto Railroad Avenue. After 0.4 miles, turn right onto Park Avenue and continue to the park.
From Park Avenue, follow Waldemere Avenue to the west. Waldemere leads onto Barnum Drive, then Barnum Boulevard. Park at the far western end of Barnum Boulevard and walk across the breakwater to the lighthouse. From the island, you can see Penfield Reef Lighthouse offshore about 1.5 miles to the south.
Fascinating Fact 
Kate Moore lived here for sixty-two years as the keeper’s daughter and later as keeper herself. She was credited with at least twenty-one lives saved.
Call 203-576-7233 for more information on Seaside Park. There is an admission fee to the park in summer. You can also view this lighthouse from harbor cruises leaving Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport. Visit www.captainscoveseaport.com/cruises.htm or call 203-335-1433 for more information.
