Solomons Lump Light

Solomons Lump Light is a lighthouse with a white tower and brown base that rises above Chesapeake Bay waters. The structure stands on a cylindrical caisson foundation and serves as a navigation marker between Smith Island and South Marsh Island.

The original screwpile lighthouse built in 1875 was destroyed by ice in 1893, which led to construction of a replacement. A new caisson structure was completed in 1895 to replace the damaged tower.

Keeper Henry Sterling maintained the lighthouse from 1904 to 1937, facing extreme conditions including a severe freeze that forced him to walk across ice.

The lighthouse remains operational and sends a white flash every six seconds that can be seen from a considerable distance. Its location in open water requires planning to visit the site, especially during rough weather conditions.

The brick structure sits off-center on its cylindrical caisson foundation because the caisson sank deeper than planned during construction. This unexpected settling became a permanent feature of the tower as it stands today.

Location: Somerset County

Inception: 1875

Height: 11.5 m

GPS coordinates: 38.04806,-76.01502

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24