The first light in 1857, on this location was a cast-iron column erected with a lantern that was hoisted to the top every night. By 1869, this method proved inadequate, and a new tower was constructed in 1870, exhibiting a sixth-order Fresnel lens. In 1882, the present wooden fog bell tower was erected, and a new keeper's dwelling built in 1885. By 1900, fort construction had obscured the light seen by water, and the Lighthouse Board requested additional funds for a new tower. The request was denied, and in 1901, the 1882 bell tower was modified to support the weight of the sixth-order Fresnel lens from the 1870 tower.
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The Chesapeake Chapter United States Lighthouse Society, has restored the tower in recent years with new wood siding, painting and landscape work.