There has been a lighthouse on the location since 1857; the current light was converted from a fog bell tower in 1901.

Fort Washington projects into the Potomac River where the river turns north, and in 1856 Jefferson Davis, in his capacity of Secretary of War, authorized the construction of a lighthouse on the fort property, to be maintained by post personnel.

Minimal funds were appropriated, and a temporary cast iron tower was constructed the following year.

Almost immediately this light was found inadequate and in 1870 a 16-foot (4.9 m) replacement tower was constructed in Baltimore and erected on a site closer to the water.

The tower is readily visible to visitors to the park in which it stands, though it is closed to public access.