The United States Coast Guard took over in 1939 upon its merger with the Lighthouse Service, and the light was automated in 1987.

The original fourth order Fresnel lens was removed and was later put on display in the New London Customhouse museum.

[4] Ledge Light has long been the subject of a ghost legend, centering around the supposed spirit of a former keeper named Ernie.

The lighthouse has been featured on paranormal reality shows such as Scariest Places on Earth and Ghost Hunters.

Investigators from The Atlantic Paranormal Society concluded on Ghost Hunters that there was not enough evidence to determine any paranormal activity taking place at the lighthouse, despite a few unexplained phenomena such as cold spots.