Coltons Point in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Blackistone Island Lighthouse
Keepers of the Light
1851 Isaac Wood
1853 George Goddard
1859 Jerome L. McWilliams
1868 Dr. Joseph L. McWilliams
1875 Mrs. Josephine McWilliams Freeman
1912 William M. Freeman, Jr.
1913 Leonard H. Staubly
1917 Francis E. Butterfield, Jr.
1918 William Simpson
1919 William Yeatman
1920-1932 Leonard H. Staubly
The Blackistone Island (St. Clement's Island) lighthouse was located near there and began service on November 13, 1851. The lighthouse was constructed by John Donohoo of Havre de Grace who also built the Point Lookout Lighthouse, the Piney Point Lighthouse, and the Cove Point Lighthouse in Southern Maryland. The lighthouse remained in operation for 105 years.
During the War between the states, John W. Goldsmith, or nearby St. Patrick's Creek, Maryland, a captain in the Confederate Army, led a raiding party of twelve from the 30 foot sloop Swan to destroy the lighthouse. On the night of May 19, 1864, Captain Goldsmith landed on the island, destroyed the lamp and lens, and removed the 15 gallons of oil. The lighthouse was spared a more devastating destiny only because the keeper's wife, Mrs. Jerome McWilliams, was soon to deliver a baby.
When the lighthouse returned to active service, it continued to guide vessels safely until erosion threatened its existence. Operations were discontinued in 1932 and by 1935 the installation was transferred to the U.S. Navy. In 1956 vandals set fire to the structure and shortly following the building was demolished for safety reasons.
Maryland's State Boat
The skipjack, the last working boat under sail in North America became a state symbol in 1985. It is used in the seafood industry for dredging oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.
Skipjack on the left: "The Rebecca T. Ruarb" from Tilghman Island on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Behind here is the clipper ship "The Pride of Baltimore II". - Artiste George F. McWilliams.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels • Women. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 19, 1842.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 12.49′ N, 76° 44.692′ W. Marker was in Coltons Point, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker could be reached from Point Breeze Road, 0.2 miles east of Colton Point Road (Maryland Route 242). Marker is on St. Clements Island which is only accessibly by boat. A ferry operates on weekends from the St. Clement's Island Museum on Point Breeze Road. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Coltons Point MD 20626, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Blackistone Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Blackistone Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); Trade Expands (a few steps from this marker); Blackistone Lighthouse Bell Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Blackistone Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom to Worship (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Clement's Island (within shouting distance of this marker); Ancestral Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coltons Point.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,334 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 7, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.