LIGHTHOUSE PHOTOS
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The Concord point Lighthouse in Havre de Grace Maryland
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Havre de Grace, Maryland, USA
Designated Waterway: Chesapeake Bay
The Concord Point Lighthouse in it's original location. The Concord Point Light is on the waterfront in Havre de Grace, MD, marking the meeting of the Susquehanna River and the northern tip of the Chesapeake Bay.
Congress initially appropriated $2,500 for construction and outfitting of a light and keepers dwelling at Concord Point. After a fair amount of difficulty, the government gained title to a small plot of land for the tower in 1826. However, due to commercial use of the waterfront, land for the keepers dwelling had to be purchased further inland. The appropriation proved inadequate, and another $1,500 was added the next year. John Donahoo, who had built other Bay lights and was also a native of Havre de Grace, was the low bidder at $3,500 and was awarded the contract. ($493 went for purchase and setup of the lighting apparatus.) Both the conical stone tower, built of Port Deposit granite and coated with “Roman cement”, and a one story keepers dwelling were completed by November of 1827. The original lighting apparatus consisted of 9 lamps, each with a 16 inch reflector.
The first keeper was an Irish immigrant named John O’Neill who was appointed by President John Quincy Adams. O’Neill was a local hero. During the War of 1812, as a local militia lieutenant he had single-handedly manned 3 cannons in the face of a British bombardment after the 50 men he was in charge of fled. Eventually he, too, had to flee the approaching British, firing back at them with his musket as he retreated. Several of O’Neill’s descendents followed in his footsteps as keepers of this light.
In 1855 the original lamps and reflectors were replaced with a steamer’s lens.
In 1869 a sixth order Fresnel lens was exhibited. The lantern was also replaced with a more modern design either at this time, or a year or two before.
In 1884 the keepers dwelling was expanded with the addition of a second story.
In 1891 the sixth order lens was replaced by a fifth order Fresnel lens.
In 1920 the light was electrified and the keepers dwelling sold. (It became an inn for a while.)
In 1975 the light was decommissioned by the Coast Guard and the Fresnel lens was stolen. Four years later, local citizens formed the Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse and took over maintenance of this historic landmark. The tower has been restored and is now open to the public on a seasonal basis. They have also bought the keepers dwelling and plans are going forward to restore it. The (unrelated) Havre de Grace Maritime Museum is set to open its new facility half a block up the road in June of 2001.
Researched and written by Matthew B. Jenkins, a volunteer through the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Light House Society.
| Location Type |
Onshore |
|
Construction Type |
Stone-Masonry |
| Original Optics |
Winslow Lewis reflectors |
| Current Optics |
Fifth order Fresnel |
| Year Built |
1827 |
| Builder: |
John Donahoo |
| Operational: |
No |
| Date Deactivited: |
1975 |
| Automated: |
Yes |
|
Markings: |
White granite tower with black lantern cupola |
| Shape: |
Conical |
| Height: |
38 feet |
| Focal
Plane Height: |
26 feet |
| Range: |
|
| Sound
Signal Building: |
No |
| Sound
Device: |
|
| Existing
Keepers Quarters: |
Detached |
| Current
Use: |
Public Location |
| Current
Owner/Manager: |
Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse |
| Open to
the Public: |
Yes |
| Web
Site: |
Concord Point Lighthouse |
National Register Status:
LISTED with reference #76000999
Name of Listing: HAVRE DE GRACE LIGHTHOUSE
Miscellaneous
Extensive restoration began in 1979, and is ongoing, with plans to turn the old keeper's dwelling into a museum. The lighthouse is maintained by The Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located in the town of Havre de Grace, Maryland. The tower is open to visitors Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 1:00 p.m. until 5 p.m. May-October. The grounds are open year-round.
The Original stone and brick keepers quarters constructed in 1827 is two and a half stories.
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