Cape Henry Lighthouse: Explore America’s First Federal Public Works at Virginia Beach's First Landing

Cape Henry Lighthouse occupies the sandy point at Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where English settlers made the “First Landing” on their way to Jamestown. Located at 583 Atlantic Avenue, the site pairs a compact coastal landscape with maritime history, and visitors reach the lighthouse by a shuttle from the military base at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story (JEBFS). This is not just a photo stop: the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is tangible proof of the new nation’s ambitions. Authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton, the original tower was the first federally funded public works project and was built with Aquia sandstone—the same stone used in many early Washington, D.C., buildings. A later, black-and-white striped “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse, constructed in 1881, stands nearby but remains closed to the public; the Old Lighthouse and the adjacent memorial at the First Landing site are the primary draws. Preservation Virginia placed a commemorative tablet on the tower in 1896, and Congress deeded the lighthouse and surrounding land to Preservation Virginia in 1930. Practicalities shape the visit. Because the lighthouse is inside a military installation, visitors must pass a background check and those 16 and over need a REAL ID. The general public must board a base shuttle; shuttles run every 15 minutes with the last one leaving at 4 p.m. Parking fills early in peak season—plan to arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m., or visit midweek. Visitors should come ready for salt wind, sun, and a short, interpretive experience rather than an all-day hike. Bring a photoable layer for ocean breezes, sturdy shoes for uneven shell-and-sand surfaces, and government-issued identification if you are over sixteen. The site is Visitable Advocate Certified and offers compact interpretive displays that make the hour-long visit efficient for families and history buffs. On clear days the Atlantic horizon reads flat and vast; close in, the sandstone tower shows tool marks and weathering patterns that tell a very human story. The memorials at First Landing frame the place where the colonial journey began, and shorebirds and tide-line life animate the dunes. Because the lighthouse sits on an active base, follow posted rules, leave no trace, and be mindful that some items—contraband, alcohol, and weapons—are expressly forbidden. Whether you stay an hour to climb the Old Lighthouse, wander the memorial, or simply watch surf and gulls, Cape Henry distills a key American story into a compact, visitable shoreline. The combination of federal history, Aquia sandstone masonry, and living coastline makes it a standout stop for history-minded travelers exploring Virginia Beach. Check the base access guidelines before you go, and consider combining your visit with nearby beach walks or the Cape Henry Memorial for context.