Lazaretto Point Light

Location and Accessibility

The Lazaretto Point Light is situated at Fort McHenry Tunnel (Bore 1) in Baltimore, United States.

History

The lighthouse was constructed in 1858 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners entering the Patapsco River. Its primary function was to guide ships safely into the harbor and prevent accidents.

Architecture

The Lazaretto Point Light is a masonry tower with a square base, rising to a height of approximately 35 meters (115 feet). The structure is built from local stone and features a distinctive octagonal lantern room at its summit. The light source is reportedly an oil-fired Fresnel lens.

Light Characteristics

The lighthouse emits a fixed white light that can be seen up to 20 nautical miles away. Its pattern is reportedly a single, unmodulated beam.

Current Status

The Lazaretto Point Light remains an active aid to navigation, although its operation may have been automated at some point in the past. The current status of the lighthouse's automation is unclear.

Heritage Status

The Lazaretto Point Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a designated historic landmark by the State of Maryland.

Notable Historical Events

The lighthouse played a significant role during the War of 1812, when it was used to guide American ships into Baltimore Harbor. The structure has also been featured in various maritime publications and guides over the years.

Coordinates

• The Lazaretto Point Light is located at coordinates 39.26218988108109° N, 76.57154619459457° W.