The Official Lighthouse Collection by Westport Harbor
Lifestyle Beyond Location
Welcome to the New England Lighthouses collection—our heartfelt tribute to the beacons that have guided sailors, inspired dreamers, and stood strong against the elements for centuries. This collection is the official ambassador for everything lighthouse-related at Westport Harbor, and we’re just getting started. From Maine to Connecticut, these coastal towers are more than historical landmarks—they are powerful symbols of focus, strength, resilience, and spirit.
Explore the Top 40 New England Lighthouses
DAILY FACT
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In life, just like at sea, the waters can get rough. Uncertainty, change, and stormy moments can throw us off course. That’s when lighthouses shine brightest—not only in the fog, but in our hearts. They remind us that direction matters, that there’s a fixed point to look toward when everything else feels adrift. That strength doesn’t always roar—it glows.
Each item in this growing collection is designed to symbolize not only the beauty of lighthouses but the metaphoric and philosophical meetings behind them, wherever your journey takes you. Because at Westport Harbor, we truly believe in a Lifestyle Beyond Location—and lighthouses are the perfect reminder that you can always find your way, no matter where you are.
A Brief History of New England Lighthouses
New England is home to the oldest and most iconic lighthouses in the United States, built to guide ships along the Atlantic’s rugged, often dangerous coast. The very first lighthouse in the country was Boston Light, established on Little Brewster Island in 1716—and it still operates today as the only manned lighthouse in the U.S..
Over the centuries, lighthouses became critical to maritime safety as trade and travel increased. Each structure has its own distinct design and light pattern—known as a “characteristic”—to help sailors identify where they are along the coast. Their architectural variety, windswept settings, and role in American history make them symbols of national pride and coastal heritage.
Fun & Fascinating Facts
Maine alone has over 60 lighthouses, including the stunning Portland Head Light, commissioned by George Washington in 1791.
Nubble Light in York, Maine, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world and is especially known for its seasonal holiday light displays.
Race Point Light and Highland Light in Cape Cod have stood as navigational aids for centuries and are beloved by locals and history buffs alike.
Newport Harbor Light in Rhode Island and New London Harbor Light in Connecticut help define the identity of their respective shorelines.
Some lighthouses in New England are located on remote offshore islands, reachable only by boat or long hikes, adding to their mystique and adventure.
Many locals love to explore lesser-known towers, like Sankaty Head Light on Nantucket or Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, RI—offering quieter, more intimate coastal experiences.
Lighthouses used unique lens systems called Fresnel lenses, which allowed their lights to be seen from up to 20 miles out at sea.
Today, while many lighthouses are automated, they continue to operate, guiding modern vessels and standing as stoic symbols of our coastal legacy.