Seen here is a 1959 technical drawing meant to aid in the Holland Island Bar Light Station’s c

Seen here is a 1959 technical drawing meant to aid in the Holland Island Bar Light Station’s conversion to automated operation. The lighthouse was built south of Holland Island, Maryland in 1889. The lighthouse is known for two major incidents. The first is the mysterious death of one of its keepers in 1931 which was ruled a result of natural causes, despite there being evidence of a struggle. The lighthouse is also known for another incident involving friendly fire. The lighthouse was located at the hulk of an old ship named the “Hannibal”. The ship was often used for target practice by Navy fighters. In 1957 three ADSN Skyraiders from the Naval Air Station at Atlantic City, New Jersey mistook the lighthouse for the ship. Although they did not carry explosives, the three practice rockets that hit the lighthouse tore holes in its roof and walls and damaged several pilings. The keepers in the light at the time were evacuated by the Coast Guard and returned the next day to start repairs. The house was ultimately dismantled in 1960 and replaced by an automated beacon mounted on the original foundation. 

Want to learn more about our holdings? You can also learn more by visiting NARA’s online catalog www.catalog.archives.gov or making an appointment to view our holdings at the National Archives at Philadelphia by calling (215) 305-2044 or emailing [email protected].

Today’s post is written by Amy Carr, Digitization and Metadata Intern at the National Archives at Philadelphia. 

National Archives Catalog link: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/148952052