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Holland Island Bar Lighthouse

Fl W 2.5s🇺🇸Maryland, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Holland Island Bar Lighthouse

This screw-pile lighthouse stood in the Chesapeake Bay. It was first lit in 1889, the same year it was built. The light displayed a white color with a focal height of 11 meters. The lighthouse was operational until 1960. Its unique construction type, screw-pile, allowed it to be built in the bay's waters.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is remembered for the unexplained death of one of its keepers and for being "attacked" by Navy pilots during a training exercise.

Background
The Holland Island Bar Light was a screw-pile lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay which existed from 1889 to 1960. It is remembered for the unexplained death of one of its keepers, and for being "attacked" by United States Navy pilots during a training exercise.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 2.5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
2.5s
Focal Height
11m

Location

City
Maryland
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
38.0667°
Longitude
-76.1000°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1889

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q15224512 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Holland Island Bar Lighthouse at night?+
Holland Island Bar displays the characteristic Fl W 2.5s — 1 white flash every 2.5 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 Holland Island Bar Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Holland Island Bar Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is GOOSE CREEK at 11.5 NM to the E. Other ports served include RIDGE (12.4 NM W), SOMERS COVE (12.6 NM ESE), Wingate (14.3 NM N), REEDVILLE (16.5 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Holland Island Bar Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Holland Island Bar 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 Holland Island Bar Lighthouse?+
Holland Island Bar 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 Holland Island Bar Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Holland Island Bar 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.