Barkhamsted Lighthouse

Barkhamsted Lighthouse is an archaeological site containing ten building foundations, four charcoal kilns, a well, and a small burial ground on a terrace overlooking Farmington River. These remains tell the story of a residential community through physical structures and the objects found within them.

The settlement was founded in the mid-1700s by James Chaugham and Molly Barber and continued until around the 1860s. This span of roughly a century shows how long the community remained established in this location.

The settlement brought together residents from different backgrounds who lived side by side and built a separate community. Walking through the foundations, you notice how homes were arranged close together, suggesting strong ties and shared daily routines.

Access to the site comes via a hiking trail from East River Road through Peoples State Forest, with signs marking the way throughout. The terrain is uneven and can be muddy, so sturdy footwear and patience are needed to explore properly.

Excavations from 1986 to 2009 uncovered numerous household items and pottery fragments that reveal everyday life in remarkable detail. These discoveries provide intimate glimpses into personal routines and domestic habits that shaped daily existence.

Location: Hartford County

GPS coordinates: 41.92583,-73.00672

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:15