One of only 4 Bay lighthouses built in the 20th century, Hooper Island light was erected to warn ships off the shoals on the eastern side of the Bay along the 30 mile stretch from Smith Point and Cove Point. It is one of only 11 lighthouses built in the U.S. where the caisson was sunk using a pneumatic process. In 1961 the light was fully automated and in the mid 1970s the valuable Fresnel lens was stolen. It's shape and color have earned it the nickname of "the spark plug". It is still an active navigational aid.

 

U.S. Coast Guard Historian's page - Hooper Island Light