Fenwick: Lighthouse, Golf History and Heritage

Fenwick combines maritime navigation with a long golf tradition and clearly identified traces of heritage. The history of the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse reflects the area’s relationship with the mouth of the Connecticut River; the golf course and Historic District offer other points of interest. St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea also introduces a specific architectural theme with its shingle style. When choosing a vacation rental in Fenwick, it therefore helps to first consider whether your trip will focus more on coastal history, golf history, architecture, or connections with nature.

A Lighthouse and Its Maritime Function

The Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse, also called the “Outer Light,” is a 49-foot-tall cast-iron tower at Fenwick Point near Old Saybrook. It was first put into operation in 1886. As the Outer Light, it helps the former Lynde Point Light, one and a half miles away, mark the mouth of the Connecticut River. The tower’s height and construction describe the structure itself; its relationship with the Lynde Point Light explains the Outer Light’s function at the river mouth.

There is an important limit to keep in mind when planning your visit: there is no public access to the outer lighthouse from the Borough of Fenwick. Ownership and access arrangements may change; check current access before planning a specific visit to the lighthouse.

Golf History and Architecture

The Fenwick Golf Course has been in existence since 1896 and is the oldest public golf course in the state of Connecticut. The date places the course’s history in time, while the distinction establishes its standing across the state. Those interested in recreational and local history will find a different perspective here than through the architecture of individual buildings. Its designation as a public course sits alongside these historical details and describes the category of the Golf Course.

All Borough land east of Maple Avenue was designated a Historic District in 1975. St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea is a building in the Shingle style. This highlights two different scales of local history: the Historic District refers to an area with clearly defined boundaries, while the Shingle style describes an architectural feature of the building. If you are interested in historic structures, these details offer two specific perspectives, without equating a stylistic feature with a district designation.

Waterfront and Conservation

Fenwick’s waterfront and beach area includes all waterfront parcels located within the Borough and owned by the Borough. Both location within the Borough and Borough ownership therefore determine the boundaries. This defines the waterfront area more precisely than a general idea of the coast.

The Lynde Point Land Trust owns the Hepburn Family Preserve; ownership arrangements may change. The same trust holds conservation easements on most of the Borough’s land. This brings together a specific ownership relationship and a broader conservation connection: the Preserve is the named property, while the easements apply to most of the Borough’s land.

Practical Information

One local rule is clear for planning purposes: parking is not allowed on any street in the Borough of Fenwick. Check current signs before parking a vehicle. This restriction is an important practical consideration to keep in mind alongside the historical and architectural topics when including Fenwick in your travel plans.

For an overview of the wider area: Old Saybrook.