Piney Point in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Piney Point Lighthouse
A Mariner's Beacon
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, July 1, 2008
1. Piney Point Lighthouse Marker
Original marker that has been replaced with a newer version.
On Christmas Eve 1835, the Federal Government purchased 2.5 acres of land from William and Charlotte Suter for $300. A year later the first lighthouse constructed entirely on the shoreline of the Potomac River went into service at Piney Point.
Initially Piney Point had a fixed white light consisting of 10 lamps and 10 reflectors, visible for about 11 miles. In June 1855 a fifth order Fresnel lens was added, changing the light color from white to yellow and increasing visibility for mariners. The lighthouse was automated with electricity in the 1950's.
Because fog frequently obscured the treacherous shoreline of Piney Point, a bell tower was added in 1890. Replaced by a reed horn in 1936, the bell tower was severely damaged by Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and was later dismantled.
Erected by Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Disasters • Environment • Notable Buildings • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 24, 1835.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Potomac River Military Testing (here, next to this marker); Bay Lights (here, next to this marker); Osprey (here, next to this marker); Map of Lower Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Piney Point Lighthouse (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Piney Point Lighthouse (here, next to this marker); The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Piney Point Lighthouse (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Piney Point.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker which has a different inscription.
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, July 1, 2008
2. Piney Point Lighthouse
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 15, 2012
3. Piney Point Lighthouse and Keeper's House, 2012
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 15, 2012
4. Piney Point Lighthouse
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 15, 2012
5. Piney Point Lighthouse Keeper's House
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, July 1, 2008
6. Plaque on the Lighthouse Grounds
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 15, 2012
7. The Bell
"U.S. Lt. House Est."
1858
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2008, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,112 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on March 2, 2022, by Sean C Bath of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2008, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 4, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on July 9, 2008, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 7. submitted on May 4, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
