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Off the coast of Greenwich, Great Captain Island is a quiet retreat of beaches and rocky shoreline, crowned by a handsome granite lighthouse.

A light first shone here in 1829 to guide the busy traffic along Long Island Sound, and the present “church-style” stone lighthouse with its tower rising from the keeper's house was built in 1868. Its fog signals have a story of their own: a whistle that was too weak, then a siren so shrill the neighbors complained.

Today Greenwich residents reach the island by ferry, and boaters anchor nearby. Alfred LaBanca, who sailed these waters from Darien, captured the lighthouse from the Sound. A perfect gift for Greenwich families and Connecticut shoreline lovers.

Every print is reproduced from Alfred LaBanca's original watercolor, part of a collection of more than 200 lighthouse paintings. Choose notecards or a matted or framed print, with tax, shipping and handling included.

From the Artist's Logbook

Built in 1829 for about $3000, this “church style” lighthouse helped light the way for the busy boat traffic going east and west on Long Island Sound. Sort of like a lamppost by the side of a road.

The light stands 65’ high and shows an alternating white and red light every 12 seconds. She can be seen for twelve nautical miles. Because of all the dangerous fog on the Sound, the light was fitted with a fog whistle. But the sound was too weak and it was changed to a siren. However, the high shrill of the siren really annoyed the nearby residents and so they changed it again; to a regular horn.

Great Captain Island is situated alongside, and to the west of Little Captain Island. These are a couple of very attractive islands, with beaches and good anchorage. Greenwich residents can take a ferry to the island but many boaters also make good use of this special place!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Great Captain Island Lighthouse?
On Great Captain Island in Long Island Sound, off the coast of Greenwich, Connecticut.

How do you get to Great Captain Island?
The Town of Greenwich runs a seasonal ferry to the island, and many boaters visit by private boat.

What formats is this print available in?
Choose a pack of eight notecards, a matted 7×9 or 11×14 print, or a framed print. Prices include tax, shipping and handling.