description Thimble Shoal Overview
Thimble Shoal is a shallow area in the lower Chesapeake Bay off the coast of Virginia. Its position near important shipping routes created a navigation hazard for vessels entering or leaving the bay, leading to the construction of a lighthouse to mark the shoal. The Thimble Shoal Light was completed in 1914 and served as a fixed maritime reference for traffic operating in the surrounding shallow waters.
help Thimble Shoal FAQ
Where is Thimble Shoal located?
Thimble Shoal is in the lower Chesapeake Bay off the coast of Virginia. It lies near shipping routes used by vessels entering or leaving the bay.
Why is Thimble Shoal dangerous for ships?
It is a shallow area that reduces the water available beneath a vessel's hull. Its position near important Chesapeake Bay routes made navigation difficult, especially before modern charting and navigation systems.
Was a lighthouse built for Thimble Shoal?
Yes. A lighthouse was constructed to mark the shoal and warn vessels about the shallow water. The marker helped ships navigate the lower Chesapeake Bay more safely.
Is Thimble Shoal in the Atlantic Ocean or Chesapeake Bay?
It is in the lower Chesapeake Bay, although the bay connects directly to the Atlantic through the Virginia Capes. That location places the shoal near a major transition between bay and ocean traffic.
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