Welcome to the Chesapeake Chapter of the US Lighthouse Society
CCUSLHS LogoChesapeake Lighthouse Heritage
Craighill Range Lighthouses
Craighill Channel Lower Range Light FrontCraighill Channel Lower Range Light Front (Craighill Light) is the second oldest cast iron, "spark plug" and caisson type lighthouse in the United States. Its design with a single-story keeper’s quarters is unique. Built in 1873 it had a fourth order Fresnel lens with a red lantern. The light was automated in 1964 with a 250 mm solar powered optic.

Located in the harbor entrance about 2 miles east southeast of North Point. Accessible only by boat. There is a distant view from North Point State Park. Tower closed to public. 


Craighill Channel Upper Range Light FrontCraighill Channel Upper Range Light Front (Cutoff Channel Range Front, Ft. Howard) was built on the foundation of the old North Point Light. It is a small red and white brick octagonal tower. The original keeper’s quarters were located on shore with a wooden bridge connecting the light to the shore. After the bridge was destroyed in 1893 the keeper was moved into the less than twelve-foot square lighthouse. The light was moved outside the lighthouse in order to make more room for the keeper. A small skiff was his means of getting ashore. The light was automated in 1929.

Located just off North Point in Fort Howard. Accessible only by boat, but there are excellent views from the Fort Howard VA Medical Center. Site and tower closed to public.

The Upper Range Lights were constructed to mark a new, upper, cutoff between Craighill and Brewerton channels.  


Craighill Channel Lower Range Light RearCraighill Channel Lower Range Light Rear (Miller’s Island) was originally to be a screwpile light. The lighthouse was constructed in 1873 on 9 granite piers with a pyramidal iron skeletal tower with square central cylinder with a fourth order Fresnel lens. It is a unique style for the Chesapeake Bay and is painted with a white base, a red top and a gray lantern. This lighthouse originally had integral keeper's quarters built into its lower portion. The quarters were removed in the 1930s. This lighthouse is the tallest Maryland lighthouse.

Located in the Bay and the entrance to the Patapsco River just east of Ramona Beach about 3 miles northeast of Fort Howard. Accessible only by boat. Views from Ramona Beach or from North Point State Park. Tower closed to public.  


Craighill Channel Upper Range Light RearCraighill Channel Upper Range Light Rear (Cutoff Channel Range Rear) was built in 1886 and consists of an iron frame supporting a wooden tower that is covered with corrugated iron. A locomotive headlight was used as the original lantern and the keeper lived in a house next to the tower. The light was automated in 1929. The keeper's quarters have been demolished.

The lighthouse is located in railroad yards on the west side of Old Road Bay opposite Fort Howard. Site and tower closed to public.

The Upper Range Lights were constructed to mark a new, upper, cutoff between Craighill and Brewerton channels.

D  R  I  V  I  N  G      D  I  R  E  C  T  I  O  N  S
Driving Instructions for Craighill Channel Lower Range Light Front, Craighill Channel Upper Range Light Front, Craighill Channel Lower Range Light Rear and Craighill Channel Upper Range Light Rear courtsey of Marthanne Glenn.

Large Area Map Detailed Local Map
Some of these maps are large in size and may take a minute or two to load.
Choose another destination....
CCUSLHS Home Page Trips & Meetings
About The Chapter Keeper's Loft - Our Merchandise
Membership Information Photo Contest
Lighthouse Heritage - Maps, Photos & More Lighthouse Links
Our Newsletter - Chesapeake Lights MD Challenge
Volunteer Preservation Program Cheslights Kids
Speakers Program Site Map
2001(c) Chesapeake Chapter, USLHS. All rights reserved.