New London Ledge Lighthouse

Poor Ernie
haunts a
very cool
place
New London Ledge Lighthouse was completed in 1909 and is the newest light in Ct. It’s one of the most recognizable lights in the whole country because it looks more like a elegant home than a lighthouse. More than one sea dog, inching through the fog and seeing the light for the first time must have thought he was going up someone’s driveway.
Yep, this light is unique and I have heard the architecture described as Georgian, Neo-​Gothic and French Empire style. It originally had a 4^th order Fresnel Lens that is now removed.
Of course New London Ledge is home to one of the most famous ghost stories in New England. A man named Ernie, who was once keeper of the lighthouse way back in the 30’s had his wife run off with the Block Island Ferry captain. Poor Ernie become so depressed that he jumped off the top of the light into the cold, dark waters never to be seen again.
From what I can tell that part of the story is true. However, every since then strange noises and doors banging have been heard. Occasionally thought the dense fog a forlorn figure can be seen walking around the now unmanned light.
I have been out here a zillion times but have unfortunately never seen Ernie. This area can be a spooky and dangerous place however. Frequent fog and the fact that the light lies in an area of strong intersecting currents makes these waters unpredictable to say the least. It’s only a mile off shore so it’s an easy kayak trip but I have been out there when the weather has gone from calm and pleasant to insane and deadly in a matter of minutes. This is part of the «race» where Long Island Sound drains back into the Atlanic Ocean. Sort of putting your finger on the end of a hose. Old sailors had an expression:
Dare Not Tread Beyond These Gates
For Fear your Boat The Race Will Take.
But the race did take many, many boats. Including me on several occasions. No, I’ve never seen a ghost out here but almost became one several times.