Made in Connecticut: Sheffield Island Lighthouse stands as a beacon of Connecticut history

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Off the coast of Norwalk, 25 small islands historically posed a challenge for mariners. To guide sea captains safely through the waters, lighthouses were built. This week in Made in Connecticut, News 12’s Rebecca Surran journeyed to Sheffield Island and its historic beacon. Sheffield Island, a 53-acre expanse, is home to a 156-year-old lighthouse. The journey to the island is a scenic one, offering stunning views of the coastline and a glimpse of the osprey nests that dot the area. The island's lighthouse was constructed in 1868, replacing an earlier cottage built in the early 1800s by Gershom Smith, the first lighthouse keeper. Smith, his wife, and their 12 children lived in the small dwelling. However, as Connecticut's trade industry boomed in the late 1850s, Congress ordered a new lighthouse to accommodate the growing maritime traffic. The new lighthouse, built from granite quarried in Southington, Connecticut, stands tall with a cast iron tower. It served as a vital guide for ships navigating Norwalk Harbor. Sheffield Light was decommissioned in 1904, its purpose fulfilled by modern technology. Yet, thanks to the Norwalk Seaport Association, the lighthouse stands as a testament to Connecticut's maritime history. The Seaport Association offers cruises to the island, allowing visitors to experience this iconic structure firsthand. The association is also holding its annual fundraiser, the Norwalk Oyster Festival, from Sept. 6 to Sept. 8. "