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Join date : 2008-01-01
 | Subject: Point Lookout Lighthouse  Wed Jan 30, 2008 6:47 am | |
| MAIN SITE On May 3, 1825, the Federal Government decided that a light was needed at Point Lookout to warn ships of the shoals and to mark the entrance to the Potomac River and appropriated $1800 for the project. After a lengthy battle with the land owner, Jenifer Taylor, over a fair price for such a small, barren piece of ground, the government finally settled on $1150, a considerable sum. Due to the cost overruns for the land purchase, Congress appropriated $4500 dollars on May 23, 1828, and awarded a contract on July 22, 1830 to John Donohoo for $3,050. Donohoo built many lighthouse in the bay area, including the similarly styled Blackistone Island lighthouse that burned down in the 1950s. The lighthouse was built before the deed to the land was obtained. Apparently, Jenifer Taylor offered to sell the land for a lower price, if he would be named the first keeper. Jenifer Taylor and his wife Elizabeth were buried in what is now the picnic area of the park.
The lighthouse began operation on September 20, 1830. | |
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