It is both the oldest and the tallest lighthouse in Connecticut and on Long Island Sound,[4] with its tower reaching 90 feet.

[3] It is currently owned and maintained by the New London Maritime Society as part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act program.

In addition to the lighthouse, the station includes the keeper's house, a two-and-a-half-story brick residence.

The property once also included a barn, an oil house, and an engine room; all of these structures have been removed.

[8] On May 7, 1800, Congress appropriated funds to rebuild the lighthouse,[8] and it was removed in 1801 when the current stone tower was built.