- Holland Island Bar Light
Infobox Lighthouse
caption = undated photograph of Holland Island Bar Light (USCG)
location = South of Holland Island in theChesapeake Bay
coordinates = coord|38.0687|N|76.0959|W|type:landmark
yearlit = 1889
automated =
yeardeactivated = 1990
foundation = screw-pile
construction =cast-iron /wood
shape = square house
height =
lens = fourth-orderFresnel lens
currentlens =
range = 12 mi
characteristic = 10 sec white flashingThe Holland Island Bar Light was ascrew-pile lighthouse in theChesapeake Bay which existed from 1889 to 1960. It is remembered for the unexplained death of one of its keepers, and for being "attacked" byUnited States Navy pilots during a training exercise.History
The lighthouse was built in 1889 south of Holland Island,
Maryland , a small fishing community. It was completed for $35,000, and was outfitted with a fourth-orderFresnel lens . In 1905 theLighthouse Board considered turning the station into one of a pair ofrange light s, but this plan eventually fell through.The house was dismantled in 1960; it was replaced by an automated beacon mounted on the original foundation.
Death of Ulman Owens
On
March 31 ,1931 , keeperUlman Owens was found dead at the station under mysterious circumstances. Though there was blood and evidence of a struggle, no wounds were found on his body and the death was ruled natural.Friendly-fire incident
The lighthouse stood near the hulk of an old ship, the "Hannibal", which was frequently used for
target practice by Navy fighters. OnFebruary 19 ,1957 , three ADSN Skyraiders from theNaval Air Station atAtlantic City, New Jersey bombed the light; their pilots had mistaken the structure for the hulk of the "Hannibal". Three practice rockets hit the light. Although they carried no explosives, they still managed to tear holes in the roof and walls, and damaged several of theiron pilings as well. The keepers called theUnited States Coast Guard , which sent aid. Although the four men were evacuated, they returned the next day to begin repairs.References
* [http://www.rudyalicelighthouse.net/MdAtLts/HollandI/Hllnd.htm History of the light]
* [http://www.uscg.mil/history/weblighthouses/LHMD.asp Maryland Light Stations] , from theUnited States Coast Guard website
* [http://www.cheslights.org/heritage/hollandisland.htm Holland Island Bar Light] , from the Chesapeake Chapter of theUnited States Lighthouse Society
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.