Hooper Island Lighthouse | Ocean City

Hooper Island Lighthouse, located about three miles offshore from Middle Hoopers Island in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, is a historic and architecturally significant maritime beacon. Constructed in 1902, it is one of the few remaining pneumatic caisson lighthouses in the United States, a design notable for its unique method of foundation and distinctive “sparkplug” shape.

Architectural and Structural Details

The lighthouse stands 63 feet tall and features a tapered cylindrical shape, commonly called a “sparkplug” style due to its resemblance to a spark plug used in engines. The base diameter measures approximately 33 feet, tapering to about 17 feet at the top, which is capped with a lantern room. Its foundation is a pneumatic caisson-a large, hollow, watertight cylinder that was sunk into the muddy seabed and then filled to create a solid base capable of withstanding the Bay’s currents and storms.

The structure’s exterior was traditionally painted white with brown trim, enhancing its visibility against the water. Inside, the lighthouse contained living quarters for the keepers and the operational equipment necessary to maintain the light and fog signals before automation.

Construction and Original Features

The Hooper Island Lighthouse was designed and built by the Toomey Brothers and fabricated by Variety Iron Works of Cleveland, Ohio. The construction method involved sinking the caisson through the soft bay mud using compressed air to keep water out during the work. This technique was challenging but effective in providing a stable platform in the Bay’s soft bottom.

Originally, the lighthouse was equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, crafted in Paris in 1888, which focused and amplified the light to guide vessels safely through the Chesapeake Bay waters. The light was complemented by fog signals to aid navigation in poor visibility.

Operational History

The lighthouse served as a manned navigational aid for nearly six decades, with lighthouse keepers residing on-site to maintain the light and foghorn. In 1961, the lighthouse was automated, eliminating the need for permanent staffing. In 1976, the original Fresnel lens was stolen and never recovered; it was replaced by a modern solar-powered beacon that continues to serve as an active navigational aid.

Throughout its history, the lighthouse endured harsh weather, including storms and ice, maintaining its vital role in safeguarding shipping lanes and local fishing vessels.

Preservation and Recent Developments

Recognizing its historical and architectural importance, Hooper Island Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Despite automation, the lighthouse remained under the control of the U.S. Coast Guard until 2022, when it was auctioned to private ownership.

In 2022, Richard Cucé, an industrial painter from Pennsylvania, purchased the lighthouse for $192,000 through a federal auction. His plans include restoring the lighthouse to its original appearance, including repainting it to its historic white and brown color scheme and installing sustainable energy systems to support its upkeep. Cucé has also coordinated with the U.S. Navy since the lighthouse is located within a Navy surface danger zone, which restricts public access during military activities.

Under federal agreements, the new owner is committed to preserving the lighthouse’s historic integrity, adhering to preservation standards that prohibit converting the structure into a residence or commercial rental. The surrounding submerged land remains federal property, with the lighthouse itself maintained as an active navigational aid by the Coast Guard.

Access and Public Engagement

Due to its offshore location within a restricted military area, public access to the lighthouse is limited and controlled. Visitors can observe it from boats in the surrounding waters, but landing or boarding is generally prohibited. However, the restoration efforts have been made publicly visible through updates from the owner and preservation groups such as the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society.

The lighthouse remains a symbol of the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay and an enduring beacon that reflects both engineering ingenuity and the region’s rich nautical heritage.

Summary

Hooper Island Lighthouse exemplifies early 20th-century lighthouse engineering with its pneumatic caisson foundation and iconic sparkplug design. Built to withstand the challenging conditions of the Chesapeake Bay, it guided countless vessels safely through its waters. Transitioning from a manned light to automation, and finally to private stewardship focused on preservation, the lighthouse continues to represent a vital connection to Maryland’s maritime past. Its ongoing restoration promises to safeguard this historic landmark for future generations while maintaining its essential role as an active navigational aid.