The Point Lookout Lighthouse was originally constructed in 1830 and rebuilt as the present structure in 1883.  It is located at the mouth of the Potomac River at the Bay. The house and the lantern are open once a year through the Maryland Park Service and the Point Lookout State Park.  The grounds and the lighthouse are owned by the US Navy now, and are part of the Naval Air Test Center and tracking station.  The building is in a high security area now, surrounded by a big fence and threatening signage that makes it impossible to get a good look at the aging, poorly maintained lighthouse.  The exterior of the house was given a paint job in 1997, the first in years, but its' future is still uncertain. Originally a fourth order lens was installed in the lighthouse, but the lighthouse was deactivated in 1965 and the lens removed.    The tower is 41 feet tall.   There is a smoke house located outside the fenced area, as well as historical markers telling of a Civil War era field hospital that was on this site.

Building used as smoke house by the keeper of the Point Lookout Lighthouse

     12/13/04 11:08:49 PM