The Avery Point Lighthouse is situated at the southeastern end of the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus located off of Shennecossett Road in the Town of Groton.

The Avery Point campus was originally the site of the 72-acre estate of Morton F. Plant, a wealthy industrialist, philanthropist and yachtsman, who was very influential in local development in the early 1900’s. Several large and ornate granite structures were constructed and completed on this site prior to 1903. One well-known structure, which still stands today, is called the “Branford House” and is listed on the National Historic Register. The upper of this building presently houses university administrative offices and the lower floor is made available for special meetings and banquets.

In 1938, some two decades after the death of Morton Plant, his estate was sold, at auction, to the State of Connecticut.

In March of 1942, the property was sold by the State of Connecticut to the United States Government. The Quit Claim Deed for this transaction stipulated that the “United States of America [will] erect and maintain on or over the land . . . . beacon lights or other buildings and apparatus to be used in aid of navigation”. The Deed further required that the lights, buildings and apparatus be constructed within five years.

In 1942 the United States Coast Guard (USCG) occupied the site and established the USCG Training Station. Throughout the years, thousands of Coast Guardsmen received training at the Groton Station in a variety of schools, including radio communications and aids to navigation – the latter being established in 1945.

In March of 1943, the USCG fulfilled the requirement of the Quit Claim Deed and completed the construction of Avery Point Lighthouse. It was at this time considered “ready for service”; however, World War II “hostilities concerns” precluded the light from being lit until May 2, 1944.

The fifty-five foot octagonal-shaped structure has two internal levels including the upper level lantern room and a walk - around outer deck. The bearing walls are constructed of unusual block masonry units (blocks) made of a brown colored cement and sand. Three different size blocks were used in constructing the walls.