Solomons in Calvert County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Business End of a Screwpile
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 30, 2019
Screwpile lighthouses were first developed by Irish engineer Alexander Mitchell, who patented his invention in 1833. Screwpiles became widely used throughout the world as a foundation system for piers and bridge as well as lighthouses.
Surprisingly, little has come to light describing how the heavy plies were supported and driven at the precise angles required. In earlier years, a barge-mounted capstan, rotated by a team of men, drove the piles. It is known, however, that the seven piles that supported Drum Point Lighthouse were set in the remarkably short time of three days.
CMM 2001.17
[Captions:]
Lighthouse Depot, Lazaretto Point, Baltimore
Much of the ironwork, manufactured at the Allentown Rolling Mills, was numbered to aid in construction when on-site. Materials for the construction of the lighthouse were assembled at the United States Lighthouse Establishment's Lazaretto Depot in Baltimore. This view shows the depot in later years.
RG 26, National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD.
U.S.L.H.E. Tender Jessamine
The lighthouse tender Jessamine, built in 1881, helped transport the materials and work crew to the site of Drum Point Lighthouse in 1883.
Courtesy, U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office, Washington, D.C.
Erected by Calvert Marine Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2001.
Location. 38° 19.875′ N, 76° 27.805′ W. Marker is in Solomons, Maryland, in Calvert County. Marker can be reached from Solomons Island Road South (Maryland Route 2) just south of Thomas Johnson Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14200 Solomons Island Road South, Solomons MD 20688, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Drum Point Lighthouse (here, next to this marker); Wm. B. Tennison (here, next to this marker); Power Bateau (a few steps from this marker); Calvert Marine Museum's Dee of St. Mary's (a few steps from this marker); This flagpole (a few steps from this marker); a different marker
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 30, 2019
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.