Guiding Lights: Historic Lighthouses in Maryland's Portion of Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay, a majestic estuary spanning over 200 miles along the East Coast of the United States, is not only a crucial natural resource but also a haven for maritime history and culture. As vessels sail its expansive waters, they rely on the guidance of iconic structures that have stood the test of time – the lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay.
Nestled along the serene waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland boasts a rich maritime history adorned with iconic landmarks, among which stand the stoic guardians of the sea: its lighthouses. These towering beacons have long served as guiding lights, navigating sailors through the bay's intricate channels and treacherous shoals. In this blog post, we'll explore the rich history and significance of beacons located in Maryland that have played a vital role in ensuring safe passage through the bay's intricate channels. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the captivating tales behind Maryland's lighthouses and the vital role they play in maritime heritage.
The Role of Lighthouses in Sailing and Maritime Navigation
Lighthouses have served as critical navigational aids for centuries, guiding sailors safely through coastal and inland waters alerting them to potential hazards. The Chesapeake Bay, with its shallow depths, sandbars, and complex channels, presented a challenging environment for sailors. The Chesapeake Bays average depth is only 21 feet. The construction of lighthouses along its shores aimed to mitigate these challenges and enhance the safety of maritime travel.
Iconic Lighthouses in Marylands Chesapeake Bay
Concord Point Lighthouse, Havre de Grace
Our voyage begins at the historic Concord Point Lighthouse, situated in Havre de Grace. Built in 1827, this charming structure holds the distinction of being Maryland's oldest continuously operating lighthouse. Its elegant design, characterized by a distinctive hexagonal shape, has captivated visitors for generations. Today, the lighthouse stands as a beacon of resilience, offering panoramic views of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. The name Concord Point is derived from Conquered Point, which is itself a rearrangement of the original christening, Point of Conquest
As we sail south, let's explore the history and significance of Turkey Point Light. Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the northern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay, Turkey Point Light was originally built to work in concert with the lighthouses at Concord Point and Pooles Island.
Turkey Point Light in Elk Neck State Park
Turkey Point Light
Located near the town of North East in Cecil County, Maryland, this historic lighthouse has guided sailors and ships through the bay's winding channels since its establishment in 1833. Constructed in response to the increasing maritime traffic along the Chesapeake Bay, Turkey Point Light was strategically positioned to mark the entrance to the Elk River . The bluffs at Turkey Point are visible for several miles from the Bay and have been a notable landmark since colonial days. Captain John Smith even mentioned them during his first journey into the Chesapeake during the early 1600s. When Turkey Point Lighthouse was placed in operation, it helped mark a necessary course change for mariners transitioning from Chesapeake Bay to the Elk River en route to the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal, which links the Elk River to the Delaware River. Turkey Point Light remained in active service until 2000 when it was officially decommissioned by the Coast Guard.
Efforts to preserve and maintain the lighthouse are ongoing, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its significance and the vital role it played in guiding ships through the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. As the sun sets over the bay, casting a warm glow upon the lighthouse's weathered facade, Turkey Point Light remains a timeless reminder of the enduring spirit of those who have relied on its guiding light throughout the centuries. The lighthouse's rich history and picturesque setting continue to attract visitors from near and far, eager to explore its storied past and admire its enduring beauty.
Pooles Island Lighthouse
Continuing our journey south, we approach Pooles Island. Let's shed some light on the fascinating history of Pooles Island Light. Pooles Island Light is located near the mouth of the Gunpowder River in the upper Chesapeake Bay. The adventurous Captain John Smith actually named the island Powell’s Island after Nathaniel Powell, one of his crew, but over time the name has evolved to Pooles Island, most likely due to the spring-fed pools of water found on the island. Pooles Island was first marked for a lighthouse in 1824, when Congress appropriated $5,000 for a beacon on the northwest tip of the island. The government purchased a parcel of land from Peregrine Wethered for $500 on March 25, 1825, and John Donahoo was contracted the following month to construct what would be the second of twelve lighthouses he would build on Chesapeake Bay between 1824 and 1853. Pooles Island Light has played a vital role in guiding vessels through the bay's intricate waterways since its establishment in 1825. Constructed in the classic Chesapeake Bay cottage style, Pooles Island Light originally featured a white conical tower with a lantern room perched atop a keeper's dwelling. Its distinctive appearance, coupled with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, allowed the lighthouse to cast a bright and unmistakable light visible for miles around. In 1917, the year the United States entered World War I, the light station was placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army, who incorporated it into the Aberdeen Proving Ground. Due to dangerous artillery fire in the proving ground, the last keeper was removed in 1918
Over the years, Pooles Island Light underwent several modifications and upgrades to improve its visibility and efficiency. In 1856, the lighthouse received a new lantern room and a more powerful Fresnel lens. Additionally, the keeper's dwelling underwent renovations to accommodate the needs of its occupants, ensuring their comfort and safety during their tenure. Pooles Island light was decommissioned in 1939 for various reasons. After having been inactive for over seventy years, Pooles Island Lighthouse was outfitted with solar lighting in 2011 and began sending out groups of four flashes and three flashes, separated by brief periods of darkness. You can get a good view of Pooles Island Light while sailing on Shardana enroute to Worton Creek or Still Pond where you can swim and watch the sunset while anchored.
Baltimore Light
The Baltimore Harbor Light, also known as the Baltimore Harbor Lighthouse or the Baltimore Light, is a historic lighthouse located just east of Gibson Island marking the entrance to the Patapsco River and approach to Baltimore Harbor.
Constructing Baltimore Lighthouse proved to be one of the more difficult tasks ever undertaken in the interests of establishing an aid to navigation in the area. The Federal Government began attempting to build a lighthouse in the area since 1890. After many trials and tribulations, the light was completed in 1908. Unlike Thomas Point Light, Baltimore Light is constructed of brick as a caisson lighthouse. Baltimore Lighthouse became the world’s first nuclear powered lighthouse on May 20, 1964, when a sixty-watt isotopic power generator called SNAP-7B was installed in it to see if such equipment could be used in remote locations.
In 2006, the Baltimore Harbor Light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Despite being automated, the lighthouse continues to serve as an aid to navigation, guiding vessels safely into Baltimore Harbor. Although the lighthouse is not open to the public, it can be easily viewed when sailing on Shardana.
Sandy Point Lighthouse
Just to the south of Baltimore Harbor Light is Sandy Point Lighthouse. In 1883 the Sandy Point Shoal caisson with a 37-foot Empire-style eight-sided, red-brick tower with a white roof and black lantern housing a 4th order Fresnel lens was built. This caisson replaced an earlier Sandy Point Light that had been built on land where Sandy Point State Park is now located. The original lighthouse needed to be replaced because in the decades following construction of the land-based Sandy Point Shoal Light the shoal grew and maritime traffic, particularly to the ports of Baltimore, increased. Mariners increasingly found the light severely lacking because of its distance from the shoal and the new shipping channel. The benefit if a caisson-design lighthouse is it helps resist damage due to ice flows. The current lighthouse is situated in 5 to 7 feet of water approximately 1000 yards east from the beach at Sandy Point State Park and approximately 1 1/2 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. As of 2019, the lighthouse is no longer a working aid to navigation.
Thomas Point Lighthouse
As we travel under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge past Annapolis we encounter the iconic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, a marvel of 19th-century engineering. Thomas Point Light was designed by John Donahoo, a prominent lighthouse architect of the 19th century. Donahoo was known for his innovative designs and engineering solutions. His work left a significant mark on maritime architecture in the United States. Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse stands as one of his most iconic creations.
Constructed in 1875, this screwpile lighthouse is recognized as the last of its kind in its original location and holds a prestigious spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Perched atop a submerged shoal near Annapolis, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse continues to guide mariners with its distinctive black and white stripes, evoking a sense of maritime nostalgia. It continues to serve as an active aid to navigation, showcasing its resilience and historical significance.
Standing sentinel at the southernmost tip of Kent Island in the Chesapeake Bay, Bloody Point Light has long served as a guiding beacon for mariners navigating the bay's intricate waters. The origin of its name traces back to a violent encounter between British and Colonial forces during the War of 1812, where the waters surrounding the area reportedly ran red with blood. An area called “The Hole”, just to the west of Bloody Point Light with a depth of 174 feet , is the deepest part of the Chesapeake Bay.
Bloody Point Lighthouse
Constructed in 1882, this lighthouse is what's known as a "spark plug" type lighthouse because it looks like a spark plug used in a car engine. Bloody Point Light began to tilt noticeably within a year of its construction due to several severe storms. The storms caused scouring resulting int the light to tilt noticeably just one year after its construction. Bloody Point Light tilts 2 degrees. Riprap stone was immediately set around the base to halt further scouring. In 1884 more permanent fixes were made – Sand was dredged from one side to bring the tower to a more upright position, then an apron of over 750 tons of stone was laid at the caisson base. The repair was successful, though a slight list still exists and a mild angle is still visible. In 1960, the lighthouse underwent a significant modernization effort, with its original Fresnel lens replaced by an automated beacon. This change marked the end of the era of manned lighthouses in the Chesapeake Bay, as automation gradually replaced the need for onsite keepers.
Appreciating Chesapeake Bay Lighthouses
In the heart of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, lighthouses stand as enduring symbols of maritime history and seafaring heritage. From the historic shores of Havre de Grace to the bustling waters near Annapolis, these iconic beacons have guided sailors through calm seas and stormy weather, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. As technology evolves, the role of traditional lighthouses is gradually changing. Modern navigation tools, such as GPS and electronic charts, have reduced the reliance on physical beacons. As we reflect on their storied past and enduring legacy, let us remember the vital role these lighthouses play in illuminating the path for future generations of seafarers. Preserving these historic structures is paramount to maintaining the cultural heritage of the Chesapeake Bay. Many lighthouses have been lovingly restored and opened to the public, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the life of a lighthouse keeper. These efforts not only safeguard the physical structures but also contribute to the education and appreciation of maritime history. Maryland's Chesapeake Bay is adorned with a tapestry of iconic lighthouses, each weaving its own tale of maritime history and seafaring heritage.
One of the best ways to enjoy these lighthouse is to see them up close sailing on Shardana. Whether you book a half day sail or longer trip, you will get to experience and appreciate these iconic Chesapeake Bay lighthouses.
PS…..
There is a National Lighthouse Museum dedicated to the history of US lighthouses and their keepers. It is located in Staten Island, New York adjacent to the famous Staten Island Ferry.