Virginia Beach Lighthouses

lighthouse virginia beach

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A visit to Virginia Beach isn’t complete without seeing its famous lighthouses. The original Cape Henry Lighthouse and the newer black-and-white lighthouse are both a sight to see. Climb to the top of the original lighthouse to take in spectacular views and learn about the rich history of the area from a knowledgeable guide.

The original lighthouse, built of brick and a cupola made of oxidized copper, is 63 feet tall. It was first lit in 1805, and it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in America. The original lighthouse was a working lighthouse until it was damaged during the War of 1812. In 1855, it was reformed with a fourth-order Fresnel lens that allowed its beam to travel 13 miles over the water.

During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers disabled its light to make it difficult for Union troops to navigate the Bay. It was repaired after the war, but by 1919 it was partially automated and its keeper went out of work.

Today, the lighthouse is owned by Preservation Virginia and is open to the public. You can tour the inside and climb to the top for a small fee. The site is also home to a museum and the Cape Henry Memorial, including a cross marking where English settlers landed in 1607 on their way to Jamestown and a statue of Admiral Comte de Grasse.