Cape Henry Lighthouse
Cape Henry Lighthouse is located at Cape Henry, a cape on the Atlantic shore of Virginia. Cape Henry is the southern boundary of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay, and is one of the Virginia Capes (along with Cape Charles). The world's busiest harbor, Hampton Roads, is to the west.
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 US government, dating from 1792. A newer structure stands nearby, so there are actually two lighthouses at Cape Henry.
The older lighthouse was acquired in 1930 by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA). 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. The Cape Henry Memorial which includes the historic older lighthouse is part of the Colonial Historical National Park, operated by the United States Park Service.
Cape Henry is located in the city of Virginia Beach within the boundaries of Fort Story, an Army Base.
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Categories: U.S. National Memorials | Virginia history