In Colonial times, as the Chesapeake Bay and larger rivers became vital shipping channels, the need arose to mark Maryland's dangerous shoals and waterways. Lighthouses sprang up throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, including wood-framed cottages placed upon screw pile foundations that stood offshore in the unforgiving waters. Most of these unique structures did not survive, lost tragically to ice that also occasionally claimed the lives of the keepers who faithfully tended them and rescued mariners in trouble. With the advent of electricity and GPS, many beacons succumbed to vandalism and neglect, leaving a fraction remaining.
Interest in the history and preservation of lighthouses has never been stronger. Lighthouses of the Mid-Atlantic Coast details the history of lighthouses and much more, and shows why these structures continue to fascinate us. Discover what life for lighthouse keepers was really like. Learn about the history of U.S. colonial lighthouses and the role lighthouses have played in several wars. Meet the brave, nefarious, and colorful characters who served as lighthouse keepers and government overseers. Learn about lighthouse technology and architecture and find out how these treasures are being preserved.
First and foremost, Bay Beacons is a book for lovers of the Chesapeake Bay - for those who sail its waters and for those who delight in its shores. For these bay explorers, the lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay symbolize continuity with the past, with both its natural and human history. Book jacket.
Detailed drawings re-create 36 famous lighthouses of the United States and Canada, including those in Cape Hatteras, Montauk Point, Cape Cod, West Quoddy Head, Tybee Island, and other places along the shorelines of North America. Captions accompanying these accurately rendered illustrations provide valuable background information on location, height, and date of construction of each lighthouse.
"What Moby-Dick is to whales, Brilliant Beacons is to lighthouses—a transformative account of a familiar yet mystical subject." —Laurence Bergreen, author of Columbus: The Four Voyages In this "magnificent compendium" (New Republic), best-selling author Eric Jay Dolin presents the definitive history of American lighthouses, and in so doing "illuminate[s] the history of America itself" (Entertainment Weekly). Treating readers to a memorable cast of characters and "fascinating anecdotes" (New York Review of Books), Dolin shows how the story of the nation, from a regional backwater colony to global industrial power, can be illustrated through its lighthouses—from New England to the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, the Pacific Coast, and all the way to Alaska and Hawaii. A Captain and Classic Boat Best Nautical Book of 2016
Welcome to a diverse exploration of diverse Maryland, from the vibrant city of Baltimore to the sunny Ocean City. Maryland, also known as "America in Miniature," offers an astonishing range of natural beauty, culture, history, and culinary delights. This book invites you to explore the diversity and uniqueness of this state on the East Coast of the United States. From the bustling streets of Baltimore to the quaint coastal towns and beaches along the Delmarva Peninsula, Maryland has something for everyone. Maryland's history goes deep into the past and includes historic sites that bear witness to the founding of the state to the War of 1812. The picturesque lighthouses along the Chesapeake Bay tell tales of seafarers and adventures, while the culinary scene tantalizes the palate with crabs, oysters, and more. In this book, we will explore Maryland's arts and culture, from the museums and galleries to the cultural festivals and events that take place throughout the year. We will also explore the wildlife and nature reserves that make up the beauty of this state. Maryland is a place steeped in ghost stories, legends, and maritime traditions. The people of Maryland contribute to the special atmosphere of the state, and their stories are as diverse as the country itself. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, water sports enthusiast, or foodie, Maryland has something for everyone. This book is an invitation to join us on a journey through Maryland and discover the diversity and uniqueness of this state. Join us on an exciting discovery tour from Baltimore to Ocean City and let yourself be enchanted by Maryland in all its splendor and diversity.
"A pictorial history book about screwpile lighthouses in Southeastern Virginia, Northeastern North Carolina, and Southern Maryland."--Provided by publisher.
Describes the life of the man who invented a new lighthouse lens, capable of shining brighter, farther, and more efficiently than existing light sources, and his fight against the scientific elite, his poor health, and the limits of his era's technology.
Lighthouses and ghosts are two popular passions. Melded together by master storyteller and lighthouse expert Ray Jones, these tales of spirited lights are guaranteed to grab the attention of all readers. As an added bonus, practical information is given for those who wish to visit the featured lighthouses for themselves . . . if they dare.
Lighthouses and ghosts are two popular passions. Melded together by master storyteller and lighthouse expert Ray Jones, these tales of spirited lights are guaranteed to grab the attention of all readers. As an added bonus, practical information is given for those who wish to visit the featured lighthouses for themselves . . . if they dare.
