Holland Island Bar Light

Holland Island Bar Light

Chesapeake Bay · Maryland

Built in 1889 off Holland Island, Maryland, this caisson-style lighthouse once guided mariners through the Chesapeake Bay. The light was automated in 1960 and eventually deactivated, standing today as a weathered sentinel over open water. It gained wider attention as Holland Island itself eroded and disappeared beneath the waves, making the lighthouse one of the last reminders of a lost community.

The light is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, but it remains a compelling subject for photographers. Golden hour and misty mornings produce the most dramatic shots from the water. Visitors can charter boats from Crisfield or Deal Island. Nearby, explore Tangier Island, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

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12 places to explore within 30 miles

10 Lighthouses 2 State Parks