Choptank River Light

Choptank River Light is a hexagonal frame building topped with a lantern, standing on six screw piles at the junction of the Tred Avon and Choptank Rivers. The structure rises directly from the water and can be reached from Cambridge's waterfront.

The original was built in 1871 to replace a lightship marking the Tred Avon River entrance. The current structure incorporates elements relocated from another Chesapeake Bay site in 1888.

The light reflects the deep ties between this area and maritime life on Chesapeake Bay. Visitors find navigation tools and photographs inside that show how people once guided ships safely through these waters.

The light can be visited during calm weather, but may be inaccessible during storms or rough water conditions. Wear comfortable shoes since the path crosses a walkway over the water.

The structure contains parts of another lighthouse known as the Cherrystone Bar Light that was moved from elsewhere in Chesapeake Bay. This makes it the only light in the bay to reuse the framework of a prior lighthouse.

Location: Talbot County

Inception: 2012

GPS coordinates: 38.65550,-76.18550

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23