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Members of the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society and lighthouse organizations of Maryland will once again shine the light on the state's land-accessible Bay Beacons during the 4th Annual Maryland Lighthouse Challenge, scheduled for September 16 and 17. This collaborative and award-winning effort between the Chapter and the local lighthouse groups is
the only time of the year when the lighthouses are open simultaneously for public access, and climbing wherever possible. To lighthouse enthusiasts, this is a highly anticipated event.
While touring some of the most scenic spots along the Chesapeake Bay, participants will visit Turkey Point Light Station, home to the last U.S. civilian female lighthouse keeper, Fannie Mae Salter. Turkey Point sits at the northeastern tip of the Chesapeake Bay atop a scenic 100-foot bluff in Elk Neck State Park. Concord Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation within the U.S., is also situated at the Northern end of the bay, calling the “colonialesque” city of Havre de Grace its home. The Point came under significant attack by the British Army during the Battle of 1812, culminating in local war hero John O'Neill receiving the honor of being named first lighthouse keeper when the lighthouse was constructed a decade and a half later. Another Challenge stop is at Baltimore's famous Inner Harbor, for visits to the Lightship Chesapeake, officially known as LV #116, and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, both highly visible attractions of the Baltimore Maritime Museum that will have Challengers seeing red, the color red that
is! The crimson-hulled Lightship Chesapeake, moored at Pier 3, is a beautifully-kept 133 foot vessel, constructed entirely of steel. Built with state of the
art innovation, she served various tours of duty in the Chesapeake Bay during her steadfast and illustrious career. The Chesapeake has the distinction of being the last such light vessel to serve in the U.S. A few piers (and short walk) away on Pier 5, is the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, a one-of-a-kind cast iron cylindrical structure that some quip, “looks more like a crab than a lighthouse!” This is one of the three unique “screwpile” lighthouses that have been transplanted from their original offshore locations to Maryland maritime museums. On August 21, 1933 during his tenure as Seven Foot Knoll Keeper, William J. Steinhise, braved dangerous winds and seas in the lighthouse's motor launch to single-handedly rescue five crewman from almost certain death as their tugboat, Point Breeze, was about to go down! This truly heroic feat earned Keeper Steinhise a Congressional Medal of Valor.
Along Maryland's eastern shore, Challengers will be treated to a stop at one of Maryland's favorite tourist destinations, the picturesque, waterfront village of St. Michaels. It is here that the beautifully-restored Hooper Strait Lighthouse, another of the screwpile transplants attracts attention as the crowning jewel of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Along Maryland's western shore, the adventure continues with a visit to the meticulously restored Drum Point Lighthouse, another screwpile…the last of the transplants — this time sitting water's edge at the Calvert Marine Museum in the water-front fishing village of Solomons. A short shuttle bus ride from the museum takes participants a few miles upriver to another of the museum's attractions, the conical Cove Point Lighthouse, constructed of locally manufactured brick by renowned lighthouse builder, John Donohoo. Donohoo, a resident of Havre de Grace, built twelve Chesapeake Bay Lighthouses, earning him the title “Master Lighthouse Builder of the Chesapeake.” Seven of the Donohoo structures remain standing today.
Further south, the historic St. Mary's County claims fame as Maryland's Birthplace. It likewise boasts of two of the ten Challenge lights. Point Lookout is regarded as one of the most haunted lighthouses in America; the point itself having been the site of a Civil War hospital and prison encampment. Stories of lighthouse hauntings abound, many supported by some of the rigorous paranormal testing that has occurred there. Challengers will get to meet Chapter Member Laura Berg, former resident of the lighthouse who will be able to recount many of the ghostly occurrences she experienced while living there. Piney Point Lighthouse is this county's other attraction. Having been visited by many dignitaries in years gone by, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Millard Fillmore among them, this squat, (cute!) conical tower is dubbed “Lighthouse of Presidents!”
The last remaining light is a bell tower convert, Fort Washington Light that sits in the Fort Washington National Park; the actual fort remaining there served decades as the only defensive fort protecting our nation's capital. The strategic location of this modest beacon more than compensates its unassuming stature. The all wooden clapboard tower sits on the banks of the Potomac River, just south of D.C. and across the river from Mount Vernon, childhood home of the original President George “W!”
As an added bonus this year, organizers are including a “Bonus Light”, Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse in Annapolis, Maryland! This offshore caisson can be viewed and photographed easily beachside at Sandy Point State Park, one of Maryland's most popular parks. This lighthouse is very representative of others that remain standing in their offshore locations around the Bay. Sandy Point will not be considered an actual Challenge lighthouse, due to the fact it is offshore and does not meet the criteria to be considered land-accessible; however, because of its convenient location between two of the Challenge stops, and due to its representative style of other Bay lights, it is worthwhile to include as an “added” attraction.
This year's line up of special guests include renowned lighthouse artist, Donna Elias who will be returning for her fourth year.
Donna will be showcasing and signing
an assortment of her beautiful artwork including the featured Maryland Lighthouse Challenge print. (Location TBA). Plans are underway for Harry Hine, Harbor Lights Master Sculptor to greet folks and sign Harbour Lights pieces at the Piney Point location. Also on hand will be Bob Trapani, Jr., Executive Director of the American Lighthouse Foundation. Bob will be autographing his brand new book Lighthouses of Maryland and Virginia: History, Mystery, Legends, and Lore. Bob will at the Concord Point location for signings. The Chapter is just thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to the 2006 event and know participants will enjoy meeting them along the Challenge route!
The glory of an event of this kind is that it allows the sentinels' modern day caretakers to increase awareness and visitation to the lights, while allowing enthusiasts from near and far to get up close and personal with them. By showcasing the Maryland lights in this venue, it is hoped that folks will begin to understand the important role these structures played in the state's maritime history, and the monumental efforts being taken to preserve and restore them. Whether you support the Challenge by visiting one, two, or all of the Challenge stops during this educational and fun-filled weekend,
it will be time well spent. And remember — children are not just welcome, they are encouraged!
Back by popular demand for this year's event is the “Triple Crown of Lighthouses Award” for those individuals who complete all three of the 2006 East Coast Lighthouse Challenges. The Long Island event was held on May 20-21 (one down and two to go!) and the New Jersey event will be held on October 14 and 15. A special dual souvenir will be awarded again this year to individuals who complete both the Maryland and the New Jersey events!
Be sure to catch the latest details and electronic copy of the Maryland Lighthouse Challenge Brochure at www.cheslights.org. Questions will be promptly answered at dkrosage@comcast.net. For those without Internet access, feel free to phone (410) 437-0741.
This story appeared in the
August 2006 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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