During Bridgeport's industrial growth of the late 19th century, several projects were undertaken to improve access for water-borne freight. In the 1870s the main channel to the downtown port area was widened, and in 1891 a breakwater was extending from Tongue Point to provide additional shelter. The lighthouse was originally built at the end of that breakwater, about  offshore.
Bridgeport's industrial growth during the late 19th century led to improvements in water-borne freight access. This included widening the main channel leading to the downtown port area and constructing a breakwater extending from Tongue Point for additional protection. The lighthouse was initially built at the end of this breakwater, located offshore.