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.
In 1919, the shipping channel was widened again, and the lighthouse was moved to its present location. The light was automated in 1954. In 1967, the Coast Guard planned to remove the lighthouse but local boaters protested.