First Public Works Project of the United States Government

Construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse was authorized by the First United States Congress on August 7, 1789. President George Washington personally reviewed bids in January, 1791 and chose John McCombs, a New York bricklayer, as contractor. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and the contractor signed the contract on March 31, 1791. Construction on the $17,700 project started August 1, 1791. The lighthouse began its 100 years of service in the fall of 1792.

Virginia Beach, Virginia · United States