Turkey Point Light

Turkey Point Light is a white conical lighthouse tower with black lantern house markings, positioned on a high bluff at the northern entrance to Chesapeake Bay. The stone structure stands as a fixed beacon that has guided vessels through this busy waterway for nearly two centuries.

The lighthouse was built in 1833 by John Donahoo using design principles similar to nearby Concord Point Light. A fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed in 1855 to improve its navigational reach for ships traveling the bay.

The lighthouse marks the retirement location of Fannie Salter in 1947, the last female lighthouse keeper in the United States.

The site is accessed through nearby Elk Neck State Park where visitors can explore the grounds around the structure. Plan visits during daylight hours since the bluff location offers limited shelter and can be windy.

Fannie Salter, the last female lighthouse keeper in the United States, took residence here in 1947. Her time at this tower marked the final chapter of women serving as lighthouse keepers in American history.

Location: Kent County

Inception: 1833

Height: 11.5 m

GPS coordinates: 39.44990,-76.00840

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46