Some say prolonged isolation makes lighthouse keepers go mad. Whether or not this is true, there’s no denying the spine-tingling fear inspired by Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Connecticut. Unlike many haunted tales, this story involves a specific individual, and there’s no denying the truth to his tragic death. Read on to learn more about this terrifying Connecticut ghost story.
Built in 1874, Penfield Reef Lighthouse sits on the south side of Black Rock Harbor on Long Island Sound.
Hallettx/Wikimedia Commons The structure helped protect ships from the treacherous Penfield Reef.
In 1916, head lighthouse keeper Frederick A. Jordan met his tragic fate.
Robert Brewster/Wikimedia Commons Before Christmas, Jordan took off to see his family. But a giant gust of wind toppled his boat, and Jordan drowned before the assistant keeper was able to save him.
Shortly after Jordan’s untimely death, the new lighthouse keeper noticed unnerving phenomena.
Brewster, Robert/Wikimedia Commons
Rudolph Iten, the head keeper, told reporters in 1920 that he felt he was being watched at night.
Brewster, Robert/Wikimedia Commons While it’s easy to write this off as isolation-induced paranoia, the story gets weirder from here.
In the middle of the night, Iten saw a shadowy gray figure leave Jordan’s former room.
Brewster, Robert/Wikimedia Commons The spectral image briefly lingered at the top of the stairs before evaporating into the darkness.
The next day, Iten noticed that the log book was mysteriously open to the page recounting Jordan’s death.
Brewster, Robert/Wikimedia Commons
But the ominous story doesn’t end there. In the early ’70s, nearby residents reported a wild flashing light coming from the lighthouse.
Hallettx/Wikimedia Commons Was this unusual malfunction caused by someone from beyond the grave?
Have you heard this creepy Connecticut ghost story? What’s your favorite haunted tale from The Nutmeg State? Share your spookiest anecdotes with us in the comments below.
Hallettx/Wikimedia Commons
The structure helped protect ships from the treacherous Penfield Reef.
Robert Brewster/Wikimedia Commons
Before Christmas, Jordan took off to see his family. But a giant gust of wind toppled his boat, and Jordan drowned before the assistant keeper was able to save him.
Brewster, Robert/Wikimedia Commons
While it’s easy to write this off as isolation-induced paranoia, the story gets weirder from here.
The spectral image briefly lingered at the top of the stairs before evaporating into the darkness.
Was this unusual malfunction caused by someone from beyond the grave?
And if you’re looking for more eerie destinations, take this road trip to the most haunted places in Connecticut.
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Address: Fairfield, CT, USA
