VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Cape Henry Lighthouse at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story is a local gem of strategic and historical significance, according to tour guide Riley O'Shaughnessy.
“We got our name back in 1607 with the arrival of the Jamestown settlers. So, 13 years before the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth, they landed here. They planted a large wooden cross and named us Cape Henry,” O’Shaughnessy said.
While this was the first place the colonists landed, they didn’t stay long.
“After about two weeks, they went up the James River and settled Jamestown,” he said. “That’s really the start of English colonial history in America.”
As it happens, the first federally-funded structure by the new U.S. government was the Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792.
You may have noticed it on the Virginia Beach city seal, but you can see this historical landmark in person. Guided and self-guided tours are available all year long, seven days a week.
“They’ll learn about not just the history of the lighthouse, but also the history of Fort Story. We have a World War II bunker you can check out and we provide all the history about the First Landing and the Revolutionary War,” O’Shaughnessy said.
I had to get a firsthand view from the top of the 232-year-old historical jewel, so I made my way up the first steep flight of stairs, which leads to the entrance; then the spiral staircase takes you to the top—191 steps total.
At the top of the original lighthouse, you can see the new lighthouse—which is not that new.
“After the Civil War, cracks began forming in the old lighthouse and there were concerns about its structural stability, but they wanted to make improvements overall. So, the best, cheapest, and safest way was to build a new one,” O’Shaughnessy explained.
Built in 1881, the new lighthouse is the one currently operational, guiding boats and ships from the Atlantic Ocean into the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. However, the new lighthouse is only open to the public one day a year: National Lighthouse Day, August 7.
With a panoramic view of the Atlantic and Navy base, it's no wonder more than 30,000 visitors make their way here every year.
The tour costs $12 for adults and $8 for children. Keep in mind that the lighthouses are located on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, so you’ll need a Real ID or passport to get on base.
The Cape Henry lighthouses are part of our country’s rich history and positively represent Hampton Roads.
