Turkey Point Lighthouse in Elk Neck State Park, Maryland: Most Female Keepers on the Chesapeake Bay

Turkey Point Lighthouse is located in Elk Neck State Park, Maryland. Elk Neck State Park and Turkey Point Lighthouse are located at the end of highway 272 just beyond the town of North East, Maryland. The light is situated on the edge of a peninsula, which extends into the Chesapeake Bay.

Turkey Point Lighthouse with its clean, stark white appearance catches the viewer's attention immediately. You'll have to take a deep breath when you see it. Its beauty transcends the natural surroundings of the Chesapeake Bay. Standing at the foot of the light is like being in the presence of a sacred omen. You can literally feel the authoritative aura. This was my family's first lighthouse viewing, together. We plan to visit more lighthouses together in the future.

In order to reach Turkey Point, one must hike a trail eight-tenths of a mile long. The trail is rocky and steep at different points, therefore, I would not recommend bringing a stroller. My preschool age children did quite well. My two-year-old did need to be carried halfway through our departure. My four-year-old handled it like a pro. Definitely a proud moment!

Visiting Turkey Point was like honoring all the female light keepers of the past. Turkey Point has had the most female keepers of any lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay. The last light keeper Fannie May Salter, retired in 1947, after 22 years of service. Like other women before her, Salter began the task of light keeper after her husband passed away.

John Donohoo built the lighthouse 1833 along with keeper's quarters, which have since been torn down. The large white house adjacent to the white tower made an impressive combination. Fourteen miles from the nearest store, the keepers were wise to plant a vegetable garden and to raise some livestock. Formerly, the property was also home to sheep, chicken, pigs, and turkey. The tower itself is only 35 feet tall, but its deliberate location gives the light an advantage of 130 feet over the junction of the North East and Elk Rivers below. The light was originally visible for 13 miles and was also the highest of 74 lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay. "Only the lights at Cape Henry and Cape Charles have a higher focal plane."

"Today the lighthouse is maintained by the Turkey Point Light Station, Inc. They have plans in the works to reconstruct the keeper's quarters. When completed it will be fully habitable with a living museum on the ground floor. Displays will include artifacts about the Chesapeake Bay, Elk Neck State Park and Turkey Point Lighthouse."

Turkey Point is located just outside the beautiful, quaint, inviting little town of North East, Maryland. Passing through on route 272, I noticed unique shops, busy bars and well-dressed residents. The town offers an assortment of wonderful activities, of which I could not take part. My family made the trip to enjoy camping and to see the lighthouse. Not only did we enjoy our camping experience and stand in awe of Turkey Point, we also used our binoculars to see the wildlife up close. Among others we saw a Bald Eagle and a Blue Heron. My husband, the biology teacher could not contain his excitement. But the description of the Elk Neck State Park and its wildlife will have to wait for another writing opportunity. Our lighthouse adventures continue. I hope you'll continue to join us!