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Thomas Point Lighthouse vandalized

Posted at 10:40 AM, Apr 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-29 14:25:18-04

Sitting a mile and a half offshore at the mouth of the South River, the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is not exactly easy to get to. 

That's one of the reasons news of recent vandalism there was so shocking to Alice Estrada, executive director of the Annapolis Maritime Museum. The museum is part owner of the lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark.

"It's not easily accessible," she said.

But more importantly, it's a beloved Maryland icon.

"It's just such a sacred landmark. I can't fathom why anyone would hurt it," she said. 

The Maryland Natural Resources Police said the lighthouse was vandalized between April 15 and 16. 

Lighthouse caretakers discovered the damage on April 17. 

Anyone with information regarding the break-in and damage is asked to call Officer Jeff Beshore or Officer Chris Neville at 1-800-628-9944.

Estrada said the vandals broke the hatch to the lighthouse and damaged work done by many dedicated volunteers over the years. 

"They definitely did a lot of damage to a lot of the woodwork that had been painstakingly restored over the years," Estrada said.

Built in 1875, the lighthouse is the last screwpile lighthouse on the Bay still in its original location. Tours are expected to begin in June. 

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