The Lighthouses of Coastal Virginia
Old Cape Henry Lighthouse (completed 1792)
Located close to the “First Landing” where English settlers set foot on route to Jamestown, this 90-foot-tall stone lighthouse was in operation for nearly 100 years, helping guide vessels around the Chesapeake Bay. Owned and operated by Preservation Virginia, the lighthouse is open to visitors with an admission fee.
New Cape Henry Lighthouse (completed 1881)
Standing 170 feet tall and approximately 350 feet from the original Cape Henry Lighthouse, today’s Cape Henry Lighthouse, which has a black-and-white design, is in service but not open to the public. Both Cape Henry Lighthouses are located on the Fort Story Military Base in Virginia Beach.
Old Point Comfort Lighthouse (completed 1802)
Still in service today but not open to the public, the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse stands 54 feet tall on Fort Monroe in Hampton. The white brick lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places and a Fort Monroe National Monument.
New Point Comfort Lighthouse (completed 1804)
In Mathews, Virginia, this 55-foot-high sandstone lighthouse stands on an island at the entrance to Mobjack Bay. Commissioned by Thomas Jefferson in 1804, this is the 10th oldest lighthouse in the U.S and the third oldest on the Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse can be observed at two public viewing areas or by boat.
Cape Charles Lighthouse (completed 1805)
At 191 feet high, the Cape Charles Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in the country. This lighthouse stands on Smith Island and it replaced two previous towers. You cannot reach this lighthouse by car, however, it is visible from Fisherman Island on the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel.
Assateague Lighthouse (completed 1867)
Standing 142 feet high, this red-and-white-striped brick lighthouse is positioned on the Virginia side of Assateague Island. This “newer” and taller lighthouse was built in 1867, replacing the original lighthouse constructed in 1833. The Assateague Lighthouse has a spiral staircase, which visitors can climb to experience incredible views. This structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Author: VisitVirginia
