Fenwick Island Lighthouse | Ocean City

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, located at 103 146th Street in Ocean City, Maryland, marks the southernmost tip of Maryland's coastline and stands as a historically significant maritime beacon. Constructed in 1858 and first lit on August 1, 1859, it is unique as the only brick, conical-shaped lighthouse ever built in Maryland. Rising to 87 feet tall, this lighthouse was designed primarily to warn ships of the dangerous Fenwick Shoals-shallow sandbars located approximately six miles offshore-that posed serious navigational hazards to vessels traveling along the Atlantic coast.

Historical Background

The lighthouse’s establishment was authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1856 as part of a broader effort to enhance coastal navigation safety. It was equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens, a sophisticated optical device of the era, which emitted a bright beam visible up to 15 miles at sea. This allowed ships to safely navigate the treacherous waters near the inlet between Maryland and Delaware.

For more than a century, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse served as an essential guide to mariners, operating continuously until 1978, when the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned it due to advances in navigational technology and the construction of other aids such as buoys and electronic systems.

Preservation and Modern Use

The lighthouse’s decommissioning sparked significant public concern, leading to its transfer from federal control to the State of Delaware in 1981. Recognizing its historical and cultural importance, the community rallied to preserve the structure. In 1982, the lighthouse was reactivated as a private aid to navigation and remains a symbolic beacon despite no longer serving as an official Coast Guard light.

Adjacent to the lighthouse stands the historic keeper’s house, which has undergone meticulous restoration. It now functions as a small museum and gift shop managed by the nonprofit organization “New Friends of Fenwick Island Lighthouse.” The museum offers visitors exhibits on the lighthouse’s history, maritime navigation, and local heritage. It also hosts community events and educational programs aimed at preserving the lighthouse’s legacy.

Architectural and Site Features

The lighthouse is constructed from red brick in a classic conical shape, tapering toward the lantern room at the top. Its sturdy masonry has withstood harsh coastal weather for over 160 years. Although visitors are not allowed to climb the tower due to safety concerns, the grounds around the lighthouse are open for public exploration.

Within the lighthouse grounds is the Transpeninsular Line marker, a historically significant granite monument that marks the eastern end of the colonial boundary surveyed in 1751 between Maryland and Delaware. This marker is engraved with the coats of arms of the Calvert family (Maryland) and the Penn family (Delaware), symbolizing the resolution of territorial disputes in the region’s early history.

Visiting the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Visitors to the Fenwick Island Lighthouse can access the site primarily on Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed to support ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts. The lighthouse sits within a quiet residential neighborhood, with free street parking available nearby.

Although the lighthouse tower itself is closed to the public, the museum and grounds provide an insightful experience for history enthusiasts, maritime buffs, and casual visitors alike. The location also offers beautiful views of the coastal landscape, including the nearby inlet and surrounding bays.

Additional Notes

The lighthouse is not equipped for climbing or interior tours, but educational exhibits at the keeper’s house offer rich historical context.

Its setting near the border of Maryland and Delaware reflects a unique geographical and political significance, emphasized by the Transpeninsular Line marker.

The lighthouse remains an iconic landmark, celebrated for its distinctive brick architecture and enduring role in coastal navigation history.

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse stands today not only as a functional navigational symbol but also as a cherished historic monument representing the maritime heritage of the Delmarva Peninsula. Through dedicated preservation and community engagement, it continues to educate visitors and commemorate the region’s nautical past.