Hooper Island Lighthouse | Ocean City

Information

Landmark: Hooper Island Lighthouse
City: Ocean City
Country: USA Maryland
Continent: North America

Hooper Island Lighthouse, Ocean City, USA Maryland, North America

Hooper Island Lighthouse is an offshore lighthouse located in the Chesapeake Bay, near Ocean City, Maryland.

It is a caisson-type lighthouse constructed of iron and concrete.

Visual Characteristics

The lighthouse consists of a cylindrical iron tower, painted white, rising from a circular concrete caisson foundation. The tower stands approximately 75 feet (23 meters) above the water. A lantern room with a red roof is situated at the apex of the tower.

Location & Access Logistics

Hooper Island Lighthouse is situated approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) east of Hooper Island and 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Cambridge, Maryland. Access is exclusively by private boat or charter. There is no public ferry service. The nearest public boat ramps are located in Cambridge and Hoopersville. Mariners should navigate with caution due to shallow areas surrounding the lighthouse.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Hooper Island Lighthouse was completed in 1902. It was built to replace an earlier screw-pile lighthouse that was damaged by ice. The original purpose was to mark the entrance to the Honga River and provide safe passage for vessels navigating the Chesapeake Bay.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity associated with Hooper Island Lighthouse is viewing it from a boat. The lighthouse is not open to the public for tours. Photography from the water is a common activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no public amenities at Hooper Island Lighthouse. It is an automated aid to navigation. Cell phone signal may be intermittent depending on the user's carrier and location on the water.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for viewing is during daylight hours. Clear weather conditions provide optimal visibility. Sunrise and sunset can offer specific lighting conditions for photography.

Facts & Legends

During its operational period, keepers reported frequent encounters with fog and storms. One notable event involved the lighthouse being struck by lightning, causing damage to the lantern mechanism.