Rising from a man-made island in the Patapsco River, Fort Carroll Light is one of Maryland’s most enigmatic landmarks. Built in 1854 as part of a hexagonal military fort designed by Robert E. Lee, the lighthouse guided vessels through Baltimore’s busy harbor for decades. The fort was never fully completed and saw limited military use before being decommissioned. Today, nature has reclaimed the island, with dense vegetation overtaking the crumbling brick walls. The light is no longer active, and the island is not open to the public — it can only be viewed by boat. Golden hour provides the best photography conditions. Nearby, visitors can explore Fort McHenry, the Inner Harbor, and the historic Fell’s Point waterfront district.

Explore Nearby

• North Point State Battlefield — State Park in Maryland
• North Point State Park — State Park in Maryland
• Baltimore’s Historic Charles Street — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Jericho Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maryland
• Maryland State Highway Administration (MDSHA) — Scenic Byway in Maryland