New London's historic Race Rock Lighthouse has a new owner.
The lighthouse, formerly under the control of the federal government’s General Services Administration (GSA), was transferred to the New London Maritime Society on Thursday at no cost.
Race Rock was used as a beacon for boats near Fishers Island and the northeastern end of Long Island Sound as far back as 1879. Most lighthouses like Race Rock allowed the young U.S. economy to grow by facilitating the trading of goods on the seas.
“These lighthouses are what made it possible for America to become the economic powerhouse that it became during the 20th century,” said GSA Regional Administrator Robert Zarnetske.
The transfer of Race Rock is a win-win situation – the federal government removed it from its books, meaning taxpayer dollars don't have to pay for upkeep anymore, and New London can add it as a maritime tourist attraction.
“Now adding Race Rock, it’s possible to have boat tours of all of these lighthouses, which is one of the most historic maritime corridors in the Northeast,” said New London Mayor Daryl Finizio.
For locals, Race Rock means more than just history.
“I go to sleep every night hearing it,” said New London boater Scott Loring. “With the tidal current and so forth, [lighthouses] mean everything still today.”
The National Light House Preservation Act has already transferred 96 lighthouses out of the federal government’s hands, most of them at no cost to preservationists.
