Saving Thomas Point Lighthouse: A Chesapeake Landmark in Need of Repair

Anyone who has navigated the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay just south of Annapolis, Maryland, will recognize the distinctive red-and-white, hexagonal silhouette of Thomas Point Lighthouse. First lit in 1875, this screwpile lighthouse stands as both a navigational aid and an enduring symbol of Chesapeake maritime history. Today it is owned and cared for by the U.S. Lighthouse Society, which works to preserve its historical and cultural value for future generations.

What a Screwpile Lighthouse Is—and What’s Wrong

Screwpile lighthouses, a design common to the Chesapeake Bay, rest on a foundation of large iron piles that are literally screwed into the soft seabed and joined by a framework of steel supports. The vertical piles give these structures stability in mud-bottomed waters while the connected framework distributes loads from the tower above. At Thomas Point, the iron piles themselves remain largely intact, reflecting the durability of that foundational approach.

However, the steel cross supports and secondary framing have suffered significant corrosion over time. Saltwater, wind, tide, and the natural aging of materials combine to accelerate rust and structural degradation in exposed steel. While the piles that reach into the seabed have held up, the above-water and near-water steelwork requires replacement to ensure continued safety and longevity of the lighthouse. Engineers and preservation specialists estimate the cost of these essential repairs at approximately $300,000.

Preservation Efforts and Fundraising Status

The U.S. Lighthouse Society has been leading the effort to fund and coordinate the restoration work. According to reporting in the Capital Gazette, the society has already secured the majority of the necessary funds, leaving roughly $100,000 still to be raised to cover the full scope of repairs. To help close that gap and to engage the broader public, the society has also established a crowdfunding page and ongoing donation channels where supporters can contribute to the preservation campaign. As reported, that crowdfunding effort has generated more than $30,000 to date, supplementing other grants, private donations, and in-kind contributions.

These combined resources will be used to replace corroded steel members, treat and protect remaining metal components, and perform other stabilization and maintenance work required to keep the lighthouse safe and accessible. The work is not merely cosmetic; it addresses the structural integrity that allows the tower to withstand storms, boat wake, and the chronic exposure to a saline environment. The goal is to protect the lighthouse so it can continue serving as a historic monument and an educational resource.

Why Thomas Point Lighthouse Matters

Thomas Point Lighthouse is more than a navigational aid; it is an icon of the Chesapeake region and a tangible link to 19th-century maritime engineering. Its unique screwpile construction is part of what makes it historically significant, and its distinctive appearance has become emblematic of local waterfront communities. Preserving this lighthouse maintains a living connection to the past, supports local tourism, and provides a focal point for maritime history education.

Beyond heritage, restoring Thomas Point also demonstrates best practices in historic preservation—balancing respect for original materials and design with modern methods that extend service life and safety. The project will involve skilled craftsmen, marine engineers, and preservationists working together to ensure that repairs meet both technical and historical standards.

How the Community Can Help

Community support is essential to successful preservation. Donations, volunteer time, advocacy, and local partnerships all increase the project’s chance of timely completion. Residents, boaters, history enthusiasts, and preservation-minded organizations can contribute in multiple ways: by donating through the society’s fundraising channels, by spreading awareness in the community, or by participating in events and programs that highlight the lighthouse’s needs.

Maintaining Thomas Point Lighthouse requires careful planning and steady support. The combination of public interest, targeted fundraising, and professional restoration will ensure this Chesapeake landmark remains standing for generations to come. The U.S. Lighthouse Society continues to coordinate the effort and to provide updates to supporters as the project progresses.

Preserving Thomas Point Lighthouse is an investment in regional history, maritime safety, and cultural identity. With the necessary funds and community involvement, this venerable screwpile structure will continue to light the way and to tell the story of the Chesapeake Bay for many years ahead.