Lighthouse Archaeological Site

The Legacy of the Chaughams: A Multicultural Village of Resilience and Belonging

This site was established by James Chaugham, a Narragansett Indian and Molly/Mary Barker. They moved to northwestern Connecticut around 1740 to escape the wrath of Mary’s father over the marriage. Marginalized individuals of Native, African, and European descent joined the Chaughams and their children to form a village of outcasts. For nearly 120 years, the lights from their cabins become a landmark for passing stagecoaches.

This location is a designated State Archaeological Preserve and listed on the National Register of Historic Places to commemorate the ordinary individuals who created an extraordinary multicultural community.

This site is open to the public.