Watts Island Light

Watts Island Light was a stone structure featuring a conical tower that rose from Little Watts Island in Chesapeake Bay, with a keeper's house situated nearby. The building was designed as a sturdy beacon to withstand the bay's challenging conditions.

Operations began in 1833 under the care of John Donahoo and the light served for over a century as a navigation aid. A severe winter storm destroyed the tower in 1944, ending its long service to the region.

This structure served as a vital guide for fishermen and merchants navigating the local waters, becoming woven into the maritime identity of the region. Its light helped shape daily routines and trade patterns for generations of seafaring families.

This site sits on an island accessible only by water, making visits challenging for most travelers. Information about the location is best found through local maritime museums or boating tours in the area.

A New Jersey lawyer named Charles Hardenberg moved into the keeper's house in 1910 and lived in isolation as the result of a personal wager. He remained on the island until his death in 1937, creating an unexpected chapter in the site's story.

Location: Accomack County

GPS coordinates: 37.78200,-75.89400

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:01