Female Light Keepers on the Chesapeake Bay

Any attempt to summon up the women who kept lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay in the first half of the 19th century is obscured by huge gaps in the historical records-gaps that reflect the lack of interest in recording the accomplishments of working men and women in that period. For many lighthouse keepers, all that remains is a record of their appointment and length of service. Research in the National Archives revealed 141 women across the country who were appointed official keepers. Hundreds more were officially appointed assistant keepers, generally aiding their fathers or husbands. Many women never received official appointments but kept a light for months after a keeper's death-until a new keeper arrived at the station.