Through the Years

In 1798, architect Benjamin Latrobe visited the lighthouse and noted how the fifty-six-foot-high sand dune on which it stood created a whirlwind that kicked up sand and heaped it into a basin-like form around the structure, protecting the keeper from storms while making his dwelling bleak. In 1844, an eight-foot retaining wall of Gneiss stone was built on the north side of the dune to stabilize the sand and prevent wind erosion. In 1867, the original interior wooden steps and landings were replaced by the cast iron spiral staircase still inside the tower, and an interior brick cylinder was added to support it. By 1878, cracks began to appear on the lighthouse exterior after the staircase installation, encouraging the erection of a new lighthouse at Cape Henry. The New Cape Henry Lighthouse was completed and lit in 1881, and although old lighthouse towers were typically demolished when replacements were built, the old Cape Henry Lighthouse remained standing because of its historic significance. In 1930, it was deeded to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, now Preservation Virginia, on condition that it be maintained and kept open to the public. In 1953, Hurricane Barbara blew the lantern room off the top of the lighthouse, and a replacement lantern room was installed to resemble the original 1792 window configuration.

Virginia Beach, Virginia · United States