(One of the shorter-lived lighthouse on the Bay)
1896: Three-story cottage-style structure of wood & brick with a square white tower attached to one corner built on a peninsula near the entrance to the Patuxent River.
October 31, 1896: Fourth-order Fresnel lens flashing red at five-second intervals is lit.
1907: First erosion control project initiated.
1915: Keeper George M. Willis is awarded the silver efficiency star.
1918: Keepers George M. Willis and Edward Farrow are awarded the inspector’s efficiency star.
1928: Lighthouse abandoned by the U.S. Coast Guard and sold to Arundel Corporation for $2,100. Lighthouse now surrounded by water. Automated beacon installed.
August 8, 1958: Island and Lighthouse deeded to Navy from Arundel Corporation.
December 14, 1981: Lighthouse lantern removed.
1984: Cupola on display at Patuxent Naval Air Test Museum.
October 17, 1996: Barge and crane remove the roof, bricks, and “Sunburst” design which were delivered to Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, MD.
Sources: Booklet – “Life at Cedar Point” by the NAS Patuxent River Natural & Cultural Resources Office, the Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, “The Lighthouses of the Chesapeake” by Robert de Gast and Chapter’s website.
Updated 5/27/2020
