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The Bay Net photo |
The Point Lookout Light House is one of only 25 light stations remaining on the Chesapeake Bay. It was built in 1830 John Donahoo for $3350.
There are no photographs of the original structure, but based on records the original light house was 1 1/2 stories tall and one-third of the size that it is today.
The lighthouse was expanded in 1927 to accommodate the keeper and the assistant keeper.
In 1966 civilians began living in the lighthouse. There are few records of civilian occupants who have lived in the lighthouse, but Gerold Sword lived in the north side of the lighthouse 1975 until December 1979, when he turned the keys over to Laura Berg. Laura lived in the north side up until October 1981.
The State of Maryland and the Navy had a disagreement and Laura was evicted.
The lighthouse was almost torn down until the local citizens rallied to save the structure.
Many strange things have been reported in the lighthouse, and the area has been the subject of numerous investigations by paranormal groups from across the country.
Right now the State of Maryland and the Navy are in negotiations to complete the turn over to the State, and to begin rehabilitations of the interior.
There it one problem: little or no government funds are committed to fix up the structure, which if riddled with holes from vandalizers and general decay.
For more information about the lighthouse history and to find a tour schedule, visit www.ptlookoutlighthouse.com. The Pont Lookout Lighthouse Preservation Society has the latest information on the lighthouse, and you can check them out at www.pllps.org.