Spectral Keepers of the Lights

Execution Rocks Lighthouse On the Stringer For PETA

Execution Rocks Lighthouse, built in 1850 on the west end of Long Island Sound, New York, is the newest “fish on a stringer” for PETA’s Fish Empathy project. Applications for letters of interest closed July 29, and of course, PETA was one of the applicants, along with an organization called Historically Significant Structures (located in Philadelphia, PA). Of course, the letter was the same as all the rest of PETA’s applications, which they’ve sent so far regarding Cleveland Ledge East, Penfield Reef, Old Orchard Shoals, West Bank Light, and Whaleback Ledge lighthouses.

With this one, another allegedly haunted lighthouse, it brings their total to six potential homes for their Fish Empathy project. Execution Rocks does seem like an appropriate name for it, doesn’t it? Where fish have been executed? Well, the reason it’s named Execution Rocks has more to do with the legend that appears on LighthouseFriends.Com regarding the naming of the rocky reef the lighthouse is built on. From their page:

According to folklore, which has never been proven true, the British avoided public executions in Colonial times because they would inflame the revolutionary spirit of the American people. Instead, they would carry the condemned to these reefs at low tide, chain them to rings embedded in the rock, and wait for high tide to carry out the death sentence. Some say the skeletons were left to torture the minds of the newly condemned as they faced certain death.

The ghosts of the condemned had their revenge. A shipload of British soldiers, sent to pursue Washington on his retreat from Manhattan to White Plains, foundered at the reef. No redcoats survived.

The legend of the executions had such hold, that when lightkeepers were assigned to Execution Rocks, they were under a unique contract. No lightkeeper was to ever feel chained to the reef. Instead of stating a set length of duty, their contract read that their length of service was for as long as they were willing. If for any reason, they requested a transfer, it was instantly granted.

Also according to the site, specters have been seen on the rocks near the lighthouse, but the last Coast Guard keeper denied ever having seen anyone that could be construed as a ghost. But with its history, it’s hard to say if maybe he just wasn’t sensitive enough to see them. The lighthouse has also been the scene of fires two times, once in 1918 and once in 1921, both in the engine room. The first time, the fog signal, running for five hours, slowed, and the keeper went to investigate. When he opened the door to the room, he was greeted by flames. The second time, an overheated exhaust pipe caused the roof to catch fire. Perhaps the spirits of those executed and left on the rocks were taking their revenge.

Because this and other offshore lighthouses are in danger of not having appropriate caretakers, I have added a donation box on the sidebar, with all profits going to the American Lighthouse Foundation or to the Maine Lighthouse Museum. If everyone visiting this site gives one dollar, these offshore refuges for ghosts, fish and sailors can maybe find a good caretaker. Please consider donating.

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