Upper Cedar Point Light

Upper Cedar Point Light, Potomac River, Maryland

Upper Cedar Point Light, Potomac River, Maryland

Upper Cedar Point Light, Potomac River, Maryland

Screwpile style lighthouse first built in 1867, served by a light vessel prior to the construction (1821-1867).

UPPER CEDAR POINT LIGHT

Lighthouse Name: Upper Cedar Point Light
Location: Potomac River 2 miles west of Mathias Point
Station Established: 1867
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1867
Operational? NO
Automated? YES 1963
Deactivated: YES 1876 AND1963
Foundation Materials:
Construction Materials:
Tower Shape: SQUARE SCREWPILE
Markings/Pattern:
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens:

Historical Information:

• In 1821 a lightship was established at the location of the Upper Cedar Point light.  The screwpile light was built and lit in 1867.  
• In the 1870’s the lighthouse had African-American keepers. 
• The light was deactivated in 1876. 
• The lighthouse was reactivated in 1882 after numerous complaints.  It remained lit until 1963 when it was dismantled.
• A small navigational light stands on the original foundation.

Researched and written by Melissa Buckler, a volunteer through the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Light House Society.