 Out of a need for a lighthouse to mark the Old Saybrook harbor , the government paid $ 225 for William Lynde 's land at its entrance to erect a light . Abisha Woodward was contracted to build a 35 feet ( 11 m ) wooden tower for $ 2 @,@ 200 and it was completed in 1803 . Due to erosion threatening the foundation of the lighthouse , a seawall was constructed in 1829 , and it was reinforced and widened in 1831 . Also constructed was a six @-@ room frame structure to serve as the keeper 's quarters . The keeper 's building was replaced in 1933 . The light was criticized by many sailors for being too short to be seen at an effective distance , a problem exacerbated by a local fog from the marshland that obscured the light . A petition was made to have the tower raised 25 feet ( 7 @.@ 6 m ) , but it was deemed a replacement would be better . 
