Cove Point Light facts for kids
 |
|
| 1991 | |
| Location | on Cove Point just south of Calvert Cliffs State Park |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38°23′10.5″N 76°22′54.3″W / 38.386250°N 76.381750°W |
| Year first constructed | 1828 |
| Automated | 1986 |
| Construction | brick |
| Tower shape | conical tower |
| Focal height | 45 feet (14 m) |
| Original lens | fourth-order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing white, 10 sec. |
The Cove Point Light is a historic lighthouse located in Calvert County, Maryland. It stands on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay. This important landmark helps guide ships safely through the waters. It is also the oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay that has been working continuously since it was built.
Contents
History of Cove Point Light
Building the Lighthouse
The Cove Point Light was built in 1828. A man named John Donahoo was in charge of building it. He used a design he had used for other lighthouses in the area. The lighthouse is made of brick and has a cone shape.
Before choosing Cove Point, the government thought about building a light at Cedar Point. But they decided Cove Point was better to mark a shallow area of water. So, in 1828, money was set aside to build both the lighthouse and a house for the keeper.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the lighthouse got some important upgrades. In 1855, the original lamps were replaced with a special Fresnel lens. This type of lens makes the light much brighter and easier to see. Two years later, in 1857, an even better lens was installed.
A fog bell was added in 1837 to help ships in foggy weather. This bell was moved several times. Eventually, it ended up on the roof of a wooden shed. In 1902, a foghorn was also added to the shed. Later, in 1950, the foghorn equipment moved to its own brick building. The fog bell, however, stayed on the shed.
Protecting the Lighthouse
The land around the lighthouse faced a big problem: erosion. This means the land was slowly being worn away by water. To stop this, a strong wall called a seawall was built in 1892. This wall was made even stronger in 1913 and again in 1993. These efforts helped protect the lighthouse from the bay's waves.
Life at the Lighthouse
The house where the lighthouse keepers lived was also changed over time. In 1881, it was made bigger to become a duplex. This meant it could house two keepers and their families. Inside kitchens were added in 1925. By 1950, a third keeper and his family needed a home, so a separate small house was built for them.
Modern Times
The Cove Point Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. Lighthouse keepers continued to live and work there until 1986. That year, the light was automated. This means machines took over the job of keeping the light running.
In 2000, the lighthouse was given to Calvert County. It was in very good condition, with many original parts still working. Today, the Calvert Marine Museum manages the lighthouse. During the summer, visitors can explore the lighthouse and its grounds.
Cove Point Light is still an active aid for ships navigating the bay. It stands as a proud reminder of maritime history.
