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Ragged Point Lighthouse

Fl W 6s🇺🇸Maryland, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ragged Point Lighthouse

Ragged Point Light, constructed in 1910, is a hexagonal steel tower. Its focal plane reaches 13.5 meters above the water, emitting a white light. Originally a screw-pile lighthouse, its current form reflects its operational status. The light's design ensures visibility in the Potomac River approaches.

Why it matters: This lighthouse holds historical significance as the final one constructed within Maryland's waters and the Chesapeake Bay region.

Background
The Ragged Point Light was a screw-pile lighthouse located in the Potomac River. It was the last lighthouse built in Maryland waters and the last built at a location in the Chesapeake Bay.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
13.5m

Construction & History

Year Built
1910

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
J1824
USCG No.
2-16940
ARLHS No.
USA-685
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7282904 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Shape
hexagonal
Material
steel

Location

City
Maryland
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
38.1546°
Longitude
-76.6012°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ragged Point Lighthouse at night?+
Ragged Point displays the characteristic Fl W 6s — 1 white flash every 6 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 Ragged Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ragged Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is SWANN'S RESORT at 4.7 NM to the E. Other ports served include LEONARDTOWN (8.1 NM NNW), KRENTZ RAILWAY (9.4 NM SSE), BOATEL CALIFORNIA (11.5 NM NNE), RIDGE (11.9 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ragged Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ragged Point 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 Ragged Point Lighthouse?+
Ragged Point 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 Ragged Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ragged Point 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.