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There are nine active lights in the state as well as three automated caissons and eleven skeleton towers replacing previously manned lights.
The first lighthouse in the state was built in 1792 (the first Cape Henry Light) and it is the oldest surviving structure. The second light was the Old Point Comfort Light, built in 1803 and lit in 1804, which stands 58 feet.
The last lighthouse built was Chesapeake Light, in 1965. The tallest extant tower is that at Cape Charles Light which is 180 feet at the focal height.
Old Point Comfort Light
Old Point Comfort light is located in Hampton, Virginia on the grounds of
Fort Monroe which is along the Virginia portion of Chesapeake Bay.
It is the second oldest light in the bay and the oldest still in use. The lighthouse is owned and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
History:
Aids to navigation at this location date to 1775, when John Dams was paid to maintain a beacon there. Its location at the entrance to Hampton Roads made it one of the first points designated for a light by the new United States federal government, and appropriations were made starting in 1800.
The light was constructed by Elzy Burroughs and put into service in 1804, although a house for the lightkeeper was not built until 1823.
Year Construction Began:
1803
Original Cost to Build:
$8000.00
Year Construction Complete:
1804
Year First Lit:
1804
Year Automated
1936
Tower Height from Base:
58 feet
Number of Steps:
Lens Order:
Fourth order Fresnel
Lens Range
13 miles
Light Character:
12 second double flash red
Tower Markings
White octagonal tower, green rails, decking, walls, and red roof.
Coordinates:
37.00175 -76.30655
Foundation Elevation
6 feet
Best View From:
Fort Monroe
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