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he Cape Henry Lighthouse has long been important for the large amount of ocean-going shipping traffic for the harbors, its rivers, and shipping headed to ports on the Chesapeake Bay. It was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, dating from 1792. It was also the first federal construction project under the Constitution, for an original contract amount of $15,200 (an additional $2,500 was required to finish the lighthouse). See also the "Boston Light" article for more on lighthouse firsts.
In 1798, Benjamin Latrobe visited Cape Henry Lighthouse and described it as "an octangular truncated pyramid of eight sides, rising 90 feet to the light..."[3] The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is 26 feet in diameter at its base, and 16 feet at its top.[4]
In the 1870s, concerns about the condition and safety of the Old Lighthouse at Cape Henry led to the construction of the New Cape Henry Lighthouse (pictured to the right) in 1881, which stands 350 feet to the southeast of the original.[5] The lighthouse was fully automated in 1983 and remains in use today.[6]
The older lighthouse was acquired in 1930 by the Preservation Virginia. A brick lining and an iron stairway have been added to the interior. The lighthouse is open to the public and a fine view can be enjoyed from its observation platform. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 29, 1964. In 2002 the American Society of Civil Engineers designated the lighthouse a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
The lighthouses are located in the city of Virginia Beach within the boundaries of Fort Story, an Army base. The Cape Henry Memorial is adjacent to the lighthouses.
The Cape Henry Lighthouses were backdrops for a scene in the 2001 movie Hearts in Atlantis, based on the 1999 Stephen King novel.
In the 1870s, concerns about the condition and safety of the Old Lighthouse at Cape Henry led to the construction of the New Cape Henry Lighthouse (pictured to the right) in 1881, which stands 350 feet to the southeast of the original.[5] The lighthouse was fully automated in 1983 and remains in use today.
.... a study of the “old” and “new” Cape Henry Lighthouses. They are in no particular order and mostly highlight details that we haven’t seen even when we have walked right by them, and a few that most people haven’t seen at all…..
"Today, the old Cape Henry Lighthouse silently guards the entry way into the Chesapeake Bay. Standing near the spot where in 1607 Captain Newport raised a cross to offer thanks for their safe crossing of the Atlantic, the Lighthouse is opened to the public on a seasonal schedule.
The architectural integrity of the tower is representative of one of John McComb's best and most important constructions. The Light also symbolizes the first bold steps the nation's new government took to fulfill its obligations to its people. With the construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay became navigable and safe ensuring steady trade and commerce on the Virginia and Maryland coasts."
© 2012
ALL Rights reserved by City of Virginia Beach.
Contact photo[at]vbgov.com for permission to use. Commercial use not allowed.
The new Cape Henry Lighthouse replaced the orginal one only 357 feet away. Automated and operated by the U S coast guard located within Fort story military base.
Picture taken at the base of Old Cape Henry Lighthouse.The strand of holiday lights hung from the lighthouse
.... a study of the “old” and “new” Cape Henry Lighthouses. They are in no particular order and mostly highlight details that we haven’t seen even when we have walked right by them, and a few that most people haven’t seen at all…..
"Today, the old Cape Henry Lighthouse silently guards the entry way into the Chesapeake Bay. Standing near the spot where in 1607 Captain Newport raised a cross to offer thanks for their safe crossing of the Atlantic, the Lighthouse is opened to the public on a seasonal schedule.
The architectural integrity of the tower is representative of one of John McComb's best and most important constructions. The Light also symbolizes the first bold steps the nation's new government took to fulfill its obligations to its people. With the construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay became navigable and safe ensuring steady trade and commerce on the Virginia and Maryland coasts."
© 2012
ALL Rights reserved by City of Virginia Beach.
Contact photo[at]vbgov.com for permission to use. Commercial use not allowed.
The Cape Henry Lighthouse has long been important for the large amount of ocean-going shipping traffic for the harbors, its rivers, and shipping headed to ports on the Chesapeake Bay. It was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, dating from 1792. It was also the first federal construction project under the Constitution, for an original contract amount of $15,200 (an additional $2,500 was required to finish the lighthouse).
.... a study of the “old” and “new” Cape Henry Lighthouses. They are in no particular order and mostly highlight details that we haven’t seen even when we have walked right by them, and a few that most people haven’t seen at all…..
"Today, the old Cape Henry Lighthouse silently guards the entry way into the Chesapeake Bay. Standing near the spot where in 1607 Captain Newport raised a cross to offer thanks for their safe crossing of the Atlantic, the Lighthouse is opened to the public on a seasonal schedule.
The architectural integrity of the tower is representative of one of John McComb's best and most important constructions. The Light also symbolizes the first bold steps the nation's new government took to fulfill its obligations to its people. With the construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay became navigable and safe ensuring steady trade and commerce on the Virginia and Maryland coasts."
© 2012
ALL Rights reserved by City of Virginia Beach.
Contact photo[at]vbgov.com for permission to use. Commercial use not allowed.
.... a study of the “old” and “new” Cape Henry Lighthouses. They are in no particular order and mostly highlight details that we haven’t seen even when we have walked right by them, and a few that most people haven’t seen at all…..
"Today, the old Cape Henry Lighthouse silently guards the entry way into the Chesapeake Bay. Standing near the spot where in 1607 Captain Newport raised a cross to offer thanks for their safe crossing of the Atlantic, the Lighthouse is opened to the public on a seasonal schedule.
The architectural integrity of the tower is representative of one of John McComb's best and most important constructions. The Light also symbolizes the first bold steps the nation's new government took to fulfill its obligations to its people. With the construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay became navigable and safe ensuring steady trade and commerce on the Virginia and Maryland coasts."
© 2012
ALL Rights reserved by City of Virginia Beach.
Contact photo[at]vbgov.com for permission to use. Commercial use not allowed.
I have a photostitch program, it came with the camera. All these years, and I've never even tried to use it. I took several photos from the top of the old Cape Henry Lighthouse looking down upon the newer light (you will notice the scratches on the plexiglass, unavoidable vandalism). While going over my photos, I couldn't help but notice I had two nearly identical in size taken moments apart on either side. So I decided to give the photostitch I try. All I can say is...wow! It did all the work, I just clicked a button and had a perfect match. I never thought it could be that easy to merge two photos.
So there you have it, Cape Henry Lighthouse. North of Virginia Beach, at the Chesapeake Bay, Fort Story military base, and the First Landing State Park. Taken on Wednesday, 2 weeks ago, and it already feels like I need another vacation.
This is the newer Cape Henry lighthouse. "Newer" but not "new"... this one replaced the old one in 1881!