The lighthouse was designed by John Donahoo, a prolific builder responsible for at least 12 Chesapeake Bay lighthouses.
Its original illumination system used whale oil lamps before being converted to kerosene and later electricity.
The lighthouse served as a vital beacon for ships navigating the dangerous shallow waters of the Susquehanna Flats.
John O'Neill, the first official lighthouse keeper, was a veteran of the War of 1812 and defended the town from British naval attacks.
The light was deactivated in 1975 but was reactivated in 1999 as a private aid to navigation.
The granite blocks used for the base were sourced from local quarries in Port Deposit, Maryland.
The keeper's house was reconstructed on its original foundation to mirror the 1827 architectural plans.
The tower’s current lens is an acrylic replica, as the original Fresnel lens was removed decades ago.
The Concord Point Lighthouse is a historic 36-foot conical stone tower located at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Built in 1827, it served as a navigational aid until its deactivation by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1975. The site features a restored keeper's house, which now functions as a museum detailing the maritime history of the region. Managed by the nonprofit organization Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse, the site offers guided tours of the tower's interior. Visitors can ascend the winding iron staircase to the lantern room for views of the upper Chesapeake Bay. The surrounding grounds include a landscaped park, a replica oil house, and a commemorative brick walkway. It remains the second oldest lighthouse in Maryland. The structure underwent extensive exterior restoration in the 21st century to maintain its original masonry and lantern aesthetic.
From the water's edge on the boardwalk looking north toward the tower with the Susquehanna River in the background.
Visit the adjacent Keeper's House museum first to gain historical context before touring the tower.
Check the tide charts; the area is prone to flooding during extreme high tides or storm surges.
Bring binoculars to scan the Susquehanna River for migratory waterfowl and bald eagles.
Do not attempt to enter the tower without a docent or guide, as access is restricted for safety reasons.
Open seasonally from April through October, typically closed on weekdays during the shoulder season.
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is required for climbing the steep, narrow, and winding interior staircase.
