North Dumpling Light

North Dumpling Light is an octagonal stone tower located on an island in Long Island Sound with a white lantern assembly at its top. The structure rises approximately 31 feet (9 meters) and serves as a navigation aid for vessels moving through this busy waterway.

The tower was built in 1848 after the federal government purchased the island from the Winthrop family in 1847 for 600 dollars. Construction followed to guide vessels safely through the treacherous waters of the sound.

The lighthouse marks an important waterway where boats move between Connecticut and New York, and locals recognize it as a key reference point in the sound's geography.

The lighthouse sits on a private island with limited public access, so viewing from the mainland is the best option for most visitors. Clear weather and binoculars help you spot the structure from coastal vantage points.

Billionaire inventor Dean Kamen purchased the island and declared it an independent nation called Dumpling Island in 1988. The quirky project was a humorous way to highlight energy consumption and push sustainable engineering solutions.

Location: Long Island

Inception: 1849

GPS coordinates: 41.28806,-72.01944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:25