Smith Point Light

Smith Point Light stands in Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Potomac River, guiding vessels through an exposed and difficult entrance. Its history stretches back to 1802 and includes repeated rebuilding as erosion, war, and ice destroyed or undermined earlier towers, lightships, and an offshore screw-pile lighthouse. The present white caisson lighthouse was first lit in 1897 using plans prepared for Wolf Trap Light and remained staffed until 1971. Public opposition helped save it from possible extinction after cable damage in the 1980s, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 before being sold in 2005.

Virginia · United States