In June 1821, construction began on Maryland's first lighthouse. The lighthouse was located on Bodkin Island, on the southern end of the Patapsaco River, near what is now Bodkin Creek. The original contractors, Thomas Evans and William Coppuck, built the foundation, but were unable to complete the task. Naval Officer William Barney of the Port of Baltimore "had to compel them to pull down fifteen feet of the work having so far been erected, not in accordance with the terms of the contract." John Donahoo, who went on to build numerous lights on the bay, completed the 35-foot stone tower.

The light began service on July 8, 1822, and served until January 10, 1856, when it was replaced by the Sevenfoot Knoll light. The lantern room was removed, thew lighthouse remained abandoned for many years. The lighthouse was torn down in 1914. Bodkin Island itself gradually eroded into the bay, and no longer exists today.

One tale regarding the lighthouse says that a fisherman living in the abandoned keeper's house wished to be married, but no boat was available to bring the clergyman across to the island. Instead, the clergyman conducted the ceremony by shouting across the bay!

References (see links)

Forgotten Beacons, Hornberger and Turbyville p. 17
The Lighthouses of the Chesapeake, de Gast p. 160
Lighting the Bay: Tales of Chesapeake Lighthouses, Vojtech p. 161