Blackistone Island Lighthouse

The Blackistone Island (St. Clement's Island) lighthouse was located nearby and began service on November 13, 1851. It was constructed by John Donohoo of Havre de Grace, who also built the Point Lookout, Piney Point, and Cove Point lighthouses in Southern Maryland. The lighthouse remained in operation for 105 years. During the War between the States, John W. Goldsmith of nearby St. Patrick's Creek, Maryland, a captain in the Confederate Army, led a raiding party of twelve from the 30 foot sloop Swan to destroy the lighthouse. On the night of May 19, 1864, Captain Goldsmith landed on the island, destroyed the lamp and lens, and removed the 15 gallons of oil. The lighthouse was spared a more devastating fate only because the keeper's wife, Mrs. Jerome McWilliams, was soon to deliver a baby. After it returned to active service, it continued to guide vessels safely until erosion threatened its existence. Operations were discontinued in 1932, and by 1935 the installation was transferred to the U.S. Navy. In 1956 vandals set fire to the structure, and shortly afterward the building was demolished for safety reasons.

Maryland · United States