Cove Point Maryland
Harbour Lights #292

Maryland’s oldest continuously operating light station, Cove Point was first lit in December 1828. It was built on a 2-acre tract that was acquired for $300. Its original optic was a configuration of 13 oil lamps with 16-inch reflectors. These were replaced with a 4th Order Fresnel Lens in 1857.

Major improvements in the light came in 1928 -- a hundred years after operations began -- when electricity replaced the kerosene lamp. At that time, the existing lens was replaced with a 6-panel 4th Order Fresnel Lens that had been built in 1897 by Barbier and Benard of France. The 115-volt, 150-watt bulb increased candlepower from 2,900 to 35,000.

The first keeper was appointed, chosen from eleven applicants. James Somerville accepted the job at an annual salary of $350. He served until 1834 and was one of 20 civilian keepers who manned the light between 1828 and 1958. At that time, USCG personnel took over and staffed the sentinel until it was fully automated in 1986.

It was in 1996 that the Calvert Marine Museum entered into preliminary negotiations with the Coast Guard, whereby the USCG would relinquish title to the property to the Calvert County government. There would need to be many improvements and repairs before the historic site could be open to the public – repairs to buildings, fencing, restrooms, grounds maintenance and security headed the list. An intensive fund raising program was put in place to finance the community project.

In the spring of 2001, a long-awaited opening was held. After years of preparation and transfer of ownership of Cove Point Light to the Calvert Marine Museum Society, the historic lighthouse was officially opened to the public. Still an active aid to navigation on Chesapeake Bay and operated by the USCG from computers in Baltimore, the familiar landmark remains one of the most important beacons on the Mid-Atlantic coastline.

The Museum Society operates a shuttle from the Marine Museum in nearby Solomon’s, to the Lighthouse, in order to minimize traffic on the site. Since Cove Point is still operational, visitors are only allowed inside the base and able to look up the spiral stairway to the lantern room -- access to the top is limited to Coast Guard personnel.

Because of its importance to lighthouse legacy, Cove Point is a favorite Chesapeake Bay destination. The extensive history and background, as well as tales of heroism and disaster, are preserved by the Calvert Marine Museum for the education and enjoyment of visitors.

For more information about Cove Point and the Museum Society, visit the website or phone (410) 326-2042.