Charms of the Chesapeake

Beacons on the Bay

Majestic Chesapeake Bay lighthouses have faithfully performed their maritime duty for decades, often transcending history to become enduring works of art. Two dozen Maryland sentinels – each with a unique story to tell – remain standing to be admired as architectural masterpieces and cultural artifacts. Many seem as sturdy as the day they were commissioned.

Lighthouse Replica Set to Shine in Cambridge

[By Breyana Franklin] A team of passionate volunteers has turned what started out as a simple idea into a concrete reality. Lighthouse lovers, residents and other supporters are working to build a replica of the Choptank River Lighthouse, located 21… Read More

Southern Bay Lighthouses

Since the early 1800s, captains of ships entering the Chesapeake Bay have been thankful for beacons helping them navigate past the many islands that border the relatively narrow passageway. These six lighthouses stand at the mouth of the bay in… Read More

Potomac River Lights

Back when the Chesapeake Bay was still developing as a primary waterway for moving goods (and travelers) deeper into America’s interior, some vessels veered west along the Potomac River (toward present-day Washington, D.C.) while others moved beyond the Potomac toward… Read More

Western Shore Beacons

The Western Shore Lighthouses surround the Choptank River and Kent Narrows, both entrances to the historic city of St. Michaels. In this area, you will find the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, a big, family-friendly attraction with exhibits that explore bay… Read More

Northern Bay Lighthouses

The Northern Chesapeake Bay Lighthouses can be found between Harford and Cecil Counties. They have helped to guide vessels moving beyond Baltimore Harbor up toward the Susquehanna River. Here is a little about each of the four beacons.   Concord… Read More

Annapolis Lighthouses

Annapolis is not only extremely popular among recreational boaters, but the waters across from the capital city’s historic harbor have also long been busy with commercial shippers sailing to and from the Port of Baltimore. Two local lighthouses have been… Read More

Baltimore Area’s Beacons

Baltimore Harbor Light Location: Accessible only by boat on Magothy River, south entrance to Craighill Channel Type: Caisson with octagonal brick dwelling/light tower Operational: 1908 Height: 52 feet above mean high water Said to be the last lighthouse built on… Read More