This is the fifth lighthouse built at Smith Point at the entrance to the Potomac. A shore-based tower had been built as early as 1802. However, its location made it ineffectual and both storms and erosion forced it to be moved and rebuilt twice before being abandoned. A number of light ships have been stationed there over the years, including after 1893 when an earlier, 1868 vintage, screwpile was destroyed by ice. The current, octagonal structure was built on a caisson from the same plans used by Wolf Trap lighthouse. It was commissioned in 1897. In the early 1970s the lighthouse was electrified via a sub-aquatic cable and fully automated. Later, when the cables failed, the Coast Guard considered demolition of the light. However, public outcry was strong and in 1988 the cable was replaced. The light has been recently renovated and is in relatively good condition. It is still an active aid to navigation.