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Baltimore Lighthouse

Fl W 2s🇺🇸Maryland, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Baltimore Lighthouse

Baltimore Light, constructed of brick, was first lit in 1908. This octagonal tower, painted white with a black roof and lantern, stands 16 meters above the water. It is a caisson lighthouse situated in the Chesapeake Bay. The light emits a white signal. Its construction made it the world's tallest caisson lighthouse at the time, a distinction due to its location in deep sediment.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the channel leading into Baltimore Harbor. It was also briefly the world's first nuclear-powered lighthouse in the 1960s.

Background
The Baltimore Harbor Light, officially Baltimore Light and historically Baltimore Harbor Lighthouse is a privately owned caisson lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. First lit in 1908, it sits at the mouth of the Magothy River, marking the channel which leads northwest to the opening of the Patapsco River, which then leads into the Baltimore harbor. The light is located adjacent to the mouth of the Magothy River. At the time of its construction, it was the world's tallest caisson lighthouse due to the deep sediment of its location. It was the world's first nuclear powered lighthouse for a brief time in the 1960s.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 2s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
2s
Focal Height
16m

Construction & History

Year Built
1908

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
J2228
USCG No.
2-8035
ARLHS No.
USA-034
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q4852868 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white, roof and lantern black
Material
brick

Location

City
Maryland
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
39.0592°
Longitude
-76.3989°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Baltimore Lighthouse at night?+
Baltimore displays the characteristic Fl W 2s — 1 white flash every 2 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Baltimore Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Baltimore Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is BAY BRIDGE at 5.8 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Annapolis (6.5 NM SW), CASTLE HARBOR (6.8 NM SE), PASADENA YARD (7.6 NM NW), SEVERNA PARK (8.3 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Baltimore Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Baltimore Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Baltimore Lighthouse?+
Baltimore Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Baltimore Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Baltimore Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.