Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, Maryland

In the mid 19th century a new innovation in lighthouse technology was taking place in the United States. Lighthouse engineers began drawing up plan designs using screwpile foundations developed in England in the 1830’s. In May 1848 the Maryland legislature passed a resolution for the establishment of a light vessel at the mouth of the Patapsco River which would help vessels reach the port of Baltimore. After several delays lighthouse authorities finally agreed to build a screwpile light at the Seven Foot Knoll to replace the aging lighthouse on Bodkin Island.

In August 1933 Keeper William B. Steinheise spotted a tug boat in distress in 90 mph winds and 15 foot seas. As the tug sunk Keeper Steinheise set out in his 21 foot boat to rescue the crew. He was able to rescue 5 men and pull a dead body from the water. He fought the storm for an hour to return to the lighthouse. Steinheise was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his efforts. In 1949 when Keeper Steinheise passed away the surviving crew members from the tug attended his funeral.

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In August 1933 Keeper William B. Steinheise spotted a tug boat in distress in 90 mph winds and 15 foot seas. As the tug sunk Keeper Steinheise set out in his 21 foot boat to rescue the crew. He was able to rescue 5 men and pull a dead body from the water. He fought the storm for an hour to return to the lighthouse. Steinheise was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his efforts. In 1949 when Keeper Steinheise passed away the surviving crew members from the tug attended his funeral.

Seven Foot Knoll Light008

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Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, Maryland