Sandy Point Shoal Light

The Sandy Point Shoal Light was erected in 1883 on a caisson foundation.

It replaced an earlier brick tower on the point itself, which was part of the keeper's house, built in 1857.

The Lighthouse Board complained about the shoal and poor equipment of the lighthouse by 1874, but appropriations were not forthcoming until 1882.

The light source changed over the years, from oil wicks to incandescent oil vapor (1913) to electricity (1929).

The characteristic changed from flashing to fixed and back to flashing along with the change in light source.

After automation in 1963, the light became subject to vandalism due to its visibility and accessibility.

The original lens was destroyed in 1979, reportedly smashed with a baseball bat.

Efforts were made by the Coast Guard to maintain and restore the structure from 1988 to 1990, but it continued to deteriorate.

In 2006, the light was sold at auction to a private bidder after an unsuccessful attempt to find a non-profit group to take responsibility for the light.

Architecture

The Sandy Point Shoal Light is a brick three-story lighthouse with a caisson foundation.

It has a distinctive red color and is conspicuous in its location.

The light source is now powered by solar panels attached to the roof on the south side.

Location

The Sandy Point Shoal Light is located about 0.6 miles off Sandy Point, north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

From the westbound span of the bridge, it is readily visible.

The address is East Beach Road.

Visiting Information

Due to its status as not-in-use and subject to vandalism, visiting the Sandy Point Shoal Light is not recommended.

However, it can be seen from a distance and is accessible by road.

Current Status

The light is no longer active and has been discontinued due to the deterioration of the privately owned supporting structure.

It is currently in a state of disrepair and is not maintained by the Coast Guard.

Heritage Status

The Sandy Point Shoal Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 2, 2002.

1. The light source changed over the years, from oil wicks to incandescent oil vapor (1913) to electricity (1929).
2. After automation in 1963, the light became subject to vandalism due to its visibility and accessibility.

Solar panels are attached to the roof on the south side of the lighthouse.

4. The original lens was destroyed in 1979, reportedly smashed with a baseball bat.
5. Efforts were made by the Coast Guard to maintain and restore the structure from 1988 to 1990, but it continued to deteriorate.

Red is the distinctive color of the Sandy Point Shoal Light.