Explore Elk Neck's Lighthouse

Nestled atop a 100-foot bluff on a peninsula between the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River, Turkey Point Light Station still stands tall. The stucco-covered brick lighthouse, built in 1833, once would have been accompanied by keeper’s quarters, stable, smokehouse, boat landing, and wood shed but, other than the cement oil house, those buildings have since all been destroyed.

Because of its remote location a dozen miles from the nearest town, North East, the keepers of Turkey Point would have been entirely self-sufficient, farming the land themselves and hunting for food in the woods. Interestingly, Turkey Point had more women lighthouse keepers than any other lighthouse on the Chesapeake; of its ten keepers, four were women, three of which succeeded their husbands.

On the bluff with the magnificent panoramic view of the Chesapeake Bay, as eagles and swans fly overhead and boats drift seemingly slowly past as they make their way to and from the ocean, it’s easy to imagine the wonderful, simple life of a light keeper. In reality, the job was 7 days a week, 365 days a year; and no overtime pay. Other than the care and daily cleaning of the lenses and prisms (which was essential in order to project light the thirteen miles that Turkey Point reaches), fuel had to be carried and replaced to three lamps, the wick managed and trimmed, the lamp extinguished or lit, and, if the automated fog bell mechanism malfunctioned, the keeper would have to ring the bell manually until it was repaired. It wasn’t until 1943 that Turkey Point was electrified with a fixed light.

Today, Turkey Point can be reached on a 1.6 mile round-trip hike through Elk Neck State Park. It’s a wonderful opportunity to view Maryland’s natural beauty and rich history while enjoying a picnic, waiting for a breathtaking sunset, or watching ships come and go from the C & D Canal. For more information on Turkey Point Light Station or Elk Neck State Park, click here and plan your adventure today!

Elk Neck State Park
4395 Turkey Point Rd
North East, MD 21901
410.287.5333