Refer to page 24 of Lighthouses Short and Tall for Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
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?
