description Thomas Point Shoal Light Overview
The Thomas Point Shoal Light stands as a historic sentinel on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. Constructed in 1875, this screwpile lighthouse was unique; it remains the last of its kind still situated within its original location. Its distinctive design—a tower supported by a submerged spiral of iron screws—provided crucial navigation assistance for mariners navigating the dangerous shoals of the bay. The light continues to be significant for maritime historians and those interested in the evolution of American lighthouses.
help Thomas Point Shoal Light FAQ
What type of lighthouse is Thomas Point Shoal Light?
Thomas Point Shoal Light is a screw-pile lighthouse, a type built on piles driven into the bottom of shallow water. It was completed in 1875 in Chesapeake Bay.
Why is Thomas Point Shoal Light so famous in Maryland?
It is the last Chesapeake Bay screw-pile lighthouse still standing in its original location. Its 1875 cottage-like form has made it one of Maryland's most recognizable maritime landmarks.
Can you visit Thomas Point Shoal Light from land?
No, it stands offshore in Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, so visits require boat access. The lighthouse's original shoal location is part of what makes it historically important.
Is Thomas Point Shoal Light still used for navigation?
The structure remains an important historic aid site in Chesapeake Bay, though its role has changed with modern navigation technology. Its key historical fact is that the 1875 screw-pile lighthouse still occupies its original bay location.
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