Trip AdvisorPoint Lookout State Park and Lighthouse
In St. Mary's County, Maryland, at the mouth of the Potomac River, where land surrenders to restless waves, the Point Lookout Lighthouse stands sentinel, its weathered brick cloaked in tales of history and whispers of the unexplained. Built in 1830, the lighthouse guided countless ships through treacherous waters, its beacon a beacon of hope in the swirling fog. But within its sturdy walls, darkness entwined with light, weaving a story as chilling as the ocean winds.
The whispers began with the Civil War when Point Lookout housed a notorious prisoner-of-war camp. Over 25,000 soldiers and civilians, Confederate and Union alike, endured the camp's squalid conditions, succumbing to disease, starvation, and despair. It's said their suffering lingers, carried on the wind like mournful cries, echoing through the empty corridors of the lighthouse. Witnesses report phantom footsteps tapping on the spiral staircase, disembodied voices pleading for help, and apparitions of weary soldiers flitting across the darkened rooms.
Even after the camp closed, the hauntings persisted. Keepers spoke of ghostly lights dancing in the darkness, objects inexplicably moving, and sudden drops in temperature that sent shivers down their spines. One keeper, known for his scoffing at ghost stories, reportedly woke one night to find his bedclothes pulled off and an icy hand clutching his throat. After that, he became a fervent believer, his sanity as fragile as the fog that rolled in from the sea.
Today, the Point Lookout Lighthouse, restored to its former glory, shines once more, guiding not just ships but curious souls drawn to its chilling lore. Paranormal investigators flock to its base, seeking evidence of the restless spirits said to reside within. Tourists brave the creaking stairs, searching for a glimpse of the ghostly soldiers trapped in time. Some find solace in the stories, attributing them to imagination and history. Others leave shaken, convinced they felt the touch of the unseen, and heard the echoes of the suffering.
Whether you seek a historical tour or a brush with the paranormal, the Point Lookout Lighthouse beckons. Stand beneath its imposing shadow, feel the salty spray on your face, and listen to the wind whispering tales of the past. You might just glimpse a flickering figure at the window, a reminder that some stories refuse to be buried, forever bound to the bricks and bones of this haunted sentinel by the sea.
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Trip AdvisorA 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Point Lookout State Park and Lighthouse
Point Lookout Lighthouse sits on a narrow strip of land surrounded by water, offering picturesque views of both the bay and the Potomac River. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.Attraction Advice
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- Point Lookout State Park and Lighthouse
- Scotland MD
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