Cape Henry Light facts for kids
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Cape Henry Lighthouse
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In 2017
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
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| Built | Old Lighthouse, 1792; New lighthouse, 1881 |
| Architect | Federal Government |
| MPS | Light Stations of the United States MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000910, 02001439 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966, December 2, 2002 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
The Cape Henry Lighthouse is a famous lighthouse in Virginia. It stands near Virginia Beach, Virginia. For a long time, this lighthouse has been very important. It guides many ships entering the Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean.
The first Cape Henry Lighthouse was special. It was the first lighthouse ever approved by the U.S. government. Building it started in 1792. This lighthouse was also the very first construction project under the new U.S. Constitution. It was planned to cost $15,200. An extra $2,500 was needed to finish it. Later, in 1881, a second lighthouse was built nearby. This happened because people worried the first one was not strong enough.
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History of the Cape Henry Lighthouse
The Cape Henry Lighthouse was a very early project for the new U.S. Federal government. It was built using stone by John McComb, Jr.. The lighthouse was finished in October 1792. John McComb, Jr. was an important architect. He helped build New York City Hall and designed other lighthouses. The design for Cape Henry Lighthouse was similar to the 1767 Cape Henlopen Light.
During the American Civil War, Confederate forces damaged the lighthouse. But Union forces repaired it in 1863. They needed the light to help their ships with navigation. By the 1870s, people started to worry about the old lighthouse. They thought it might not be safe. So, the New Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881. This new lighthouse is about 350 feet (107 meters) southeast of the old one.
The old tower was not torn down. It still stands today! It is used as a daymark for triangulation, which helps measure distances. In 1983, the lighthouse became fully automated. This means machines took over its operation.
What the Lighthouses Look Like
In 1798, a visitor named Benjamin Henry Latrobe described the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse. He said it was an "octangular truncated pyramid of eight sides." It rose 90 feet (27 meters) to its light. The old lighthouse is 26 feet (8 meters) wide at its bottom. It narrows to 16 feet (5 meters) at the top. It was built with Aquia Creek sandstone. This is the same type of stone used for the White House.
The newer lighthouse is taller, standing 157 feet (48 meters) high. It was built using cast iron and wrought iron. This newer lighthouse also has a much more powerful light.
Keeping the Lighthouses Safe
Preservation Virginia took care of the older lighthouse starting in 1930. At that time, they were called the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. They added a brick lining and an iron stairway inside the lighthouse. Today, the old lighthouse is open for people to visit.
The old lighthouse was named a National Historic Landmark on January 29, 1964. This means it is a very important historic place in the United States. In 2002, the American Society of Civil Engineers also recognized it. They listed it as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Both lighthouses are in the city of Virginia Beach. They are located inside Fort Story. This is an Army base. The Cape Henry Memorial is also right next to the lighthouses.
Images for kids
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First tower in 1995 (NPS)
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Second tower, modern photo
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Second tower, U.S. Coast Guard Archive
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The first Cape Henry Lighthouse, erected 1792, in 2017
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The second Cape Henry Lighthouse, erected 1881, in 2017
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Both Lighthouses in 2017
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