Turkey Point Lighthouse

Year Built

1833

Cost

$5,000

Type

Conical tower

Height

35 feet

Location

Elk Neck State Park at the head of the Chesapeake Bay

Automated Year

1947

First Lit

1835

Lens Type

Fourth-order Fresnel lens, 1855

Fog Signal

Fog bell tower (no longer standing)

Year Deactivated

2000-2002

Color

White with black lantern

Last Keeper - Date

Fannie M. Salter (1925 – 1947)

Description

Since 2005, Turkey Point Light Station, Inc. has been busy making improvements and maintaining the lighthouse.

Brief History

•  Turkey Point Lighthouse is very similar in design to other Donahoo towers and was built using the plans from Concord Point Lighthouse.
•  In 1867 the lantern was completely refitted and designed to properly display the Fresnel lens.
•  In April 1888 a fog bell tower with automated ringing mechanism was installed.
•  The fixed white light was changed to a flashing characteristic upon automation of the station in 1947.
•  In 1972 the keepers dwelling had decayed to such state of disrepair that it had to be torn down.