Solomons Lump Lighthouse

Year Built

1875

Cost

$30,000

Type

Square tower on cylindrical base

Height

38 feet

Location

Kedges Straits North of Smith Island

Automated Year

1950

First Lit

1895

Lens Type

Fourth order Fresnel lens (original), 7.9 inches (200 mm) (current)

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

White tower on brown base

Last Keeper - Date

Clyde M. Farrow (1942 – )

Description

The keepers quarters were demolished leaving only the tower on the caisson.

Brief History

•  1893, The lighthouse was damaged by moving ice and later carried away by ice during construction of present caisson.
•  1919, Fifth order Fresnel lens sent to Cherrystone LH in Virginia and Solomons Lump upgraded with Cherrystone’s 4th-Order lens.
•  1929, Keeper H. C. Sterling accidentally sets fire to LH while burning off paint covering rotten wood. He quickly extinguishes flames.
•  In 1950 the dwelling portion demolished and the light moved to automated status.
•  1988 Exterior receives superficial maintenance from USCG. Light remains active aid to navigation.