Home / Lighthouses / Maryland Lighthouses / Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse 9

Search in this set

The Thomas Point Shoal Light, also known as Thomas Point Shoal Light Station, is a historic lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay on the east coast of the United States, and the most recognized lighthouse in Maryland. It is the only screw-pile lighthouse in the bay which stands at its original site.

Location: Off Thomas Point at the mouth of the South River in the Chesapeake Bay
Coordinates: 38.899°N 76.436°W
Constructed: 1875
Foundation: sSrew-pile
Construction: Cast-iron/wood
Tower height: 15 m (49 ft)
Tower shape: Square lantern on hexagonal house
Markings: White with red roof and black lantern
First lit: 1875
Automated: 1986
Focal height: 43 feet (13 m)
Lens: Fourth-order Fresnel lens (original), 9.8 inches (250 mm) solar-powered lens (current)
Range: White 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi) Red 11 nautical miles (20 km; 13 mi)
Characteristic: (Fl W 5s) Flashing white 5 sec, with two red sectors
Fog signal: Horn: 1 every 15 sec

I was here on August 2 2021.

I took a Watermark Tour Lighthouse tour. The only way to really see this lighthouse is on the water.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 20 1975

Received National Historic Landmark Status on January 20 1999

Access: By boat there are many tours available