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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
For centuries, the hard-packed shoal at Thomas Point menaced Chesapeake Bay mariners. Even after two separate stone towers were built on the shoreline, sailors continued to request a light at the end of the mile-long shoal. When a new lighthouse was finally approved in 1873, experts deemed its novel design too fragile for the location--it was built anyway. Long overdue and of an inappropriate design, the iconic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse was lit in November 1875 and continues to serve mariners. Thomas Point is the last Chesapeake Bay screwpile-style lighthouse in its original location and one of only twelve American lighthouses designated as a National Historic Landmark. Join Annapolis sailor David Gendell as he explores Thomas Point.
