Piney Point Lighthouse

The Piney Point Lighthouse is situated on Lighthouse Road at Piney Point, Maryland, USA.

• It can be accessed via a public road leading to the lighthouse site.
• The oldest lighthouse on the Potomac was constructed by John Donahoo in 1836.

History

The Piney Point Lighthouse has played a significant role in maritime navigation and safety for nearly two centuries.

• Located 14 miles up the Potomac River from the Bay, it was constructed by John Donahoo in 1836.
• It is located on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under criteria A and C, recognizing its architectural significance and historical importance as a navigational aid.

Architecture

The Piney Point Lighthouse is a traditional lighthouse design with a square tower.

• The tower height is approximately 65 feet (20 meters), while the focal height reaches around 90 feet (27 meters) above sea level.
• It was constructed using local stone and brick materials, typical of early 19th-century lighthouses.

Light Characteristics

The Piney Point Lighthouse features a fixed white light with a range of approximately 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers).

• The light's pattern is not specified in the available data.

Current Status

Commissioned by the Coast Guard, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1964 and has since become a museum.

• It remains an active historic landmark, attracting visitors interested in maritime history and preservation.

Heritage Status

The Piney Point Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under criteria A and C, recognizing its architectural significance and historical importance as a navigational aid.

• Several early US Presidents visited or stayed on the grounds of the lighthouse.

Notable Historical Events

The site's proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River made it an attractive location for these historic figures, solidifying its place in American history.

• The oldest lighthouse on the Potomac was constructed by John Donahoo in 1836.