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Piney Point has been a summer resort since the days of President James Madison.
Today, it still lures many summer visitors with its vacation houses, waterfront
restaurants, and easy access to boating facilities. A new attraction here
features the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum that focuses on the oldest permanent
lighthouse on the Potomac. The exterior of the lighthouse, a 35-foot tall
brick tower, has been partially re-stored. The lighthouse began operation
in 1836, with a light that could be seen for more than 11 miles. The lighthouse
functioned until 1964, when it was replaced by a lighted buoy in the river.
The museum and lighthouse can be visited from dawn to dusk. A boardwalk,
flanked by plaques describing the history of the area, leads to the river.
No swimming, fishing, or camping is allowed. The museum building contains
exhibits on the history of Potomac lighthouses and has a small gift shop.
A public boat launching area is nearby. The site was a summer resort in the
early 20th century; during the Civil War, a federal gunboat captured a
Confederate camp on the point on January 5, 1864. Several full service marinas
can be found on Piney Point as well as a large tank farm operated by Steuart
Oil Company. Directions: From Route 5 south, take Route 249 south to Piney
Point.