Coltons Point in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Blackistone Lighthouse Bell Tower
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 26, 2022
1. Blackistone Lighthouse Bell Tower Marker
The original bell tower erected in 1888 included machinery designed to strike every 16 seconds. It served as a vital part of the warning system for ships in inclement weather.
This bell tower was built by Paul Bennett and Jay Pilkerton during 2009 and 2010. It was constructed under the watchful eyes of Jimmy Banagan (Project Manager), Dick Gass, Bob Kopel, Mike Hutson and many volunteers who offered their services on a complementary basis.
All labor for this project was donated by Mr. & Mrs. Philip H. Dorsey, III in memory of Jeanne Marie Blackistone Mandel, Dorothy Gass Banagan and Louanne Cosimano Bailey.
The 1200 pound bell in this new tower, struck 1910 in a New Jersey foundry for lighthouses, was purchased as a memorial on behalf of the following:
Mr. & Mrs. James M. Banagan in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Marshall Banagan Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Bailey in memory of Rayner and Gladys Blair Chris and Susan Gass in memory of Hope H. Fallin Mike and Sharyn Hutson in memory of the Hutson and Plunkett families Mr. & Mrs. George McWilliams, III in memory of the McWilliams family Mr. & Mrs. Philip H. Dorsey, III in memory of Walter B. Dorsey Darryl Matthews and Celia Taylor in memory of Grace L. and William E. Hawes Bob and Inky Kopel in memory of the Kopel and Hammett families
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this page online
Erected 2010.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells, and the Lighthouses series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 38° 12.473′ N, 76° 44.704′ W. Marker is in Coltons Point, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. It can be reached from Point Breeze Road. The marker stands on the grounds of St. Clement's Island, which has no paved roads. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Coltons Point MD 20626, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Maryland. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 26, 2022
2. Blackistone Lighthouse Bell Tower Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Blackistone Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Blackistone Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Blackistone Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Trade Expands (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom to Worship (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Clement's Island (about 300 feet away); Ancestral Garden (about 300 feet away); St. Clement's Hundred (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coltons Point.
Other markers no longer nearby. Blackistone Island Lighthouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); A Target for Big Guns (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Welcome to St. Clement's Island (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "With a laudable and pious zeal for the propagation of the Christian faith"
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 26, 2022
3. The Reproduction Blackistone Lighthouse Bell Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
