Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, two lighthouses stand side by side, telling the story of America's first federal construction project and two centuries of maritime history.

Standing at the strategic entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Henry Lighthouse represents a unique chapter in American history. Here, visitors encounter not one but two towering sentinels, each with its own story to tell.

The pairing of these structures creates a living timeline of engineering and navigation, from the nation's earliest days through the modern era. Located within Fort Story military base in Virginia Beach, this National Historic Landmark offers both historical depth and sweeping views of where bay waters meet the open Atlantic.

A Federal First

In 1792, the newly formed United States government completed its very first construction project under the Constitution. Designed by John McComb Jr., who would later help build New York's City Hall, the original Cape Henry Lighthouse rose from Aquia sandstone at a cost of $17,700.

The octagonal tower guided countless ships through the treacherous entrance to Chesapeake Bay for nearly a century. During the Civil War, Confederate forces extinguished its light and removed the lens, but Union troops restored it in 1863 to maintain access to Norfolk. By the 1870s, however, alarming cracks appeared on six of the tower's eight faces, threatening its stability.

Twin Towers of Navigation

The newer lighthouse, completed in 1881, stands 157 feet tall just 350 feet from its predecessor. Built of cast iron and lined with brick, it houses a powerful first-order Fresnel lens, the only one still in operation along Virginia's coast. This lens, with its intricate glass prisms, can be seen from miles at sea.

The original 90-foot tower, despite its cracks, remained standing as a daymark for sailors. Today it features an added brick lining and iron stairway, allowing visitors to climb to its observation platform. The tower's Aquia sandstone exterior has weathered more than two centuries of coastal storms.

Where History Meets the Horizon

Few places offer the chance to explore America's oldest government-built lighthouse while its replacement continues active duty nearby. The observation platform atop the old lighthouse provides panoramic views where the Chesapeake Bay opens to the Atlantic, the same vista that has guided mariners since George Washington's presidency.

Managed by Preservation Virginia since 1930, the site received another distinction in 2002 when engineers recognized it as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. In 2025, restoration work used Aquia stone from supplies originally quarried in the 18th century, connecting past and present through the same materials.

Cape Henry Lighthouse Highlights & Tips

• The Original 1792 Tower Climb the iron stairway inside America's first federally funded lighthouse and experience the same structure that guided ships during the early republic.
• Working First-Order Fresnel Lens View the 1881 lighthouse's massive lens, the only first-order Fresnel lens still operating along Virginia's coast, continuing its mission after 140 years.
• Observation Platform Views Take in the breathtaking panorama from the top of the old lighthouse, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean at one of America's most historic maritime crossroads.
• Military Base Access Required The lighthouses are located within Fort Story military base. All visitors must show valid photo identification at the gate, and additional security procedures may apply.
• Physical Considerations Climbing the old lighthouse requires navigating a narrow spiral stairway. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a moderately strenuous climb to reach the observation deck.
• Nearby Historic Site The First Landing Cross stands adjacent to the lighthouses, marking where English colonists first came ashore in 1607 before establishing Jamestown.
• Best Time to Visit Clear days offer the most spectacular views from the observation platform. Check weather conditions and the Preservation Virginia website for current visiting hours before your trip.

Cape Henry Lighthouse offers more than a glimpse into maritime history. It provides a tangible connection to the earliest days of the American republic, when the young nation understood that guiding ships safely to harbor was among its first responsibilities. The pairing of these two towers, one retired and one still faithfully serving, creates a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of engineering and dedication across centuries.

Whether you're drawn by history, architecture, or simply the promise of an unforgettable coastal view, Cape Henry rewards the journey with stories written in stone and light.