Craighill Channel Upper Range Front Light facts for kids
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| undated photograph of the Craighill Channel Upper Range Front Light (USCG) | |
 Craighill Channel Upper Range Front Light
Location in Maryland
Craighill Channel Upper Range Front Light
Location in the United States
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| Location | West of Fort Howard (North Point) on the north shore of the Patapsco River |
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| Coordinates | 39°11′50″N 76°26′54″W / 39.1971°N 76.4482°W |
| Year first lit | 1886 |
| Automated | 1929 |
| Foundation | stone |
| Construction | brick |
| Tower shape | square tower |
| Height | 15 feet (4.6 m) |
| Characteristic | Fixed red (originally white) |
The Craighill Channel Upper Range Front Light is a special kind of lighthouse. It works with another light to guide ships safely. These lights help ships find their way through the second part of the shipping channel. This channel leads into the busy Baltimore harbor.
History of the Lighthouse
This lighthouse is part of a pair called "range lights." They help ships stay in the correct path. Work on these lights began in 1885. They were ready to start guiding ships by January 1886.
Building the Light
At first, people thought about reusing an older lighthouse. But they decided to build a new, small brick tower instead. This new tower was placed on the foundation of the old light.
The lighthouse keeper's house was built on the shore. A long wooden bridge connected the house to the light. The light itself was originally a special "locomotive headlight." It shone a steady white light.
Changes Over Time
In 1890, the keeper's house was made better. But just three years later, a big storm destroyed the long wooden bridge. Instead of rebuilding the bridge, the headlight was moved to the outside of the light. The lighthouse keeper then moved into the light tower itself.
In 1929, the light was updated. It was changed to use electricity and became automated. This meant a keeper no longer needed to live there. Some people think the light was rebuilt in 1938. However, this is likely a mistake. It might be because the reported height of the light changed over the years.
- Cut-off Channel Range Front Light Station, Baltimore County, at Maryland Historical Trust
