Standing proudly at Cape Henry in Fort Story, Virginia Beach, lies the historical beacon of maritime history, the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Built in 1792, this lighthouse was the first authorized by the U.S. government and holds a special place in Americas heart as it stands near the First Landing site where English settlers first set foot on their way to settle in Jamestown.

The original lighthouse was constructed using Aquia Creek sandstone, which gave it a distinctive reddish-brown hue. In 1870, however, the lighthouse began to show signs of wear and tear as cracks appeared. To ensure that navigation services into the Chesapeake Bay remained uninterrupted, a new Cape Henry Lighthouse was erected just 357 feet away from its predecessor in 1881. The original lighthouse has since been preserved by Preservation Virginia after it was deeded over to them in 1930 by Congress.

The old lighthouse is not only a symbol of Americas maritime past, but also holds the distinction of being Americas first federal works project. Recognizing its historical significance and architectural beauty, the U.S. government declared it a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Today, the Cape Henry Lighthouse stands as one of the four oldest lighthouses still standing in the United States.

During the Civil War, this historic landmark faced challenges when Confederate forces damaged it. However, the lighthouse was repaired by Union forces to ensure that it could continue providing essential navigation services. The entire construction of the original lighthouse in 1792 cost a hefty $17,700 and took nearly a year to complete.

As you stand at the base of this storied lighthouse, imagine the countless sailors who have relied on its light over centuries, navigating their way through treacherous waters. The Cape Henry Lighthouse is more than just an architectural marvel; its a symbol of resilience and endurance that has withstood the test of time.

This brings us to the conclusion of our tour segment about the Cape Henry Lighthouse. I hope you enjoyed learning about its fascinating history as much as we did presenting it to you. Let your imagination take flight, transporting you back in time to when this lighthouse played a crucial role in shaping Americas maritime past.