York Spit Light

Last updated

York Spit Light
York Spit Light.PNG
Undated photograph of York Spit Light (USCG)
York Spit Light
LocationAt the mouth of the York River in the Chesapeake Bay
Coordinates 37°12′35″N76°15′15″W / 37.2096°N 76.2542°W / 37.2096; -76.2542
Tower
Foundation screw-pile
Construction cast-iron/wood
Shapehexagonal house
Light
First lit1870
Deactivated1960
Focal height9 m (30 ft)  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Characteristic Fl W 6s  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

The York Spit Light was a lighthouse located at the mouth of the York River in the Chesapeake Bay, marking a long shoal paralleling the main channel into the river.

Contents

History

This light replaced lightships stationed at this location beginning in 1853. Extra fender piles were added to the usual six pile structure in order to provide extra stability against the current. In 1903, riprap was placed around the piles for additional protection. A hurricane in September 1933 damaged the light.

The house was removed and replaced with an automated light in 1960 as part of the program of decommissioning at that time. More recently, this light was damaged in a hurricane, and a separate light on a single pole was erected next to the old screw-pile foundation.

Notes

    References