Baltimore Lighthouse with American Flag – Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
On a quiet July morning, I motored out across the Chesapeake Bay, not expecting anything more than a typical mid-summer scene — but what I found felt like a tribute to the Fourth of July itself. There, standing proudly over the calm waters, the Baltimore Lighthouse was flying an American flag, rippling gently in the breeze. It was a rare and moving sight — the flag is not usually flown here — and it stopped me in my tracks.

Photographed from my boat with a telephoto lens, I compressed the distance between the lighthouse and the flag, drawing them closer in the frame to emphasize their shared symbolism: resilience, guidance, and American heritage. The soft morning light gave the scene a quiet warmth, while the open Bay offered a timeless sense of freedom.

For me, this image captures the spirit of coastal independence — a fleeting yet powerful moment of patriotism floating over Maryland’s historic waters.

Available in a variety of fine art sizes and finishes — a striking piece for lovers of American history, lighthouse collectors, or anyone who feels a connection to the Chesapeake and the meaning of the flag.

Bill Mish Photography