The screwpile lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay were much shorter than those on the Gulf Coast because distances are shorter
on the bay than on the Gulf. A lower lighthouse did not need a separate watchroom below the lantern because there were few
steps to climb.
In the above photo, identify the screwpiles, the keeper’s quarters, and the lantern. Note the white fog horn to the
right of the lantern. Some of the other modern equipment is used by NOAA to collect weather information.
Read the three letters from Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse keepers below. What were some of the challenges they
faced at this station?
Click on letter to see larger image
Click on letter to view larger image
click on letter to view larger image
NPS photo by Candace Clifford
Pages Rock Light
All that remains of Pages Rock Lighthouse on the York River in Virginia, is the screwpile foundation.
Why do you suppose the Coast Guard removed most of the old lighthouses on screwpile foundations and replaced them with
a modern aids to navigation?
Lighthouse Maps
Fifth Lighthouse District
Can you find Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse on this map?
Click on map to view larger image
Source: 1881 Annual Report of the U.S. Light-House Board
This Reader's Guide is intended to be used with Lighthouses Short and Tall, a book for readers 11 and up written by Mary Louise and Candace Clifford. It is available from the publisher,
Cypress Communications, by using their book order form.
