GLEAMING GUARDIAN OF CHESAPEAKE BAY

Towering structures built to promote survival in dangerous, maritime locations tell powerful stories about human civilization. Located in some of earth’s most beautiful places, it’s no wonder people love lighthouses. Even as modern technology renders lighthouses less essential to navigation, these monuments of perseverance and innovation are valued far beyond their utilitarian function. While they warn of danger, lighthouses appeal to romantic ideals of rugged independence in scenic but deadly surroundings.




Lighthouses are built to endure the often brutal natural environments they are intended to mark, but over time take a beating from the elements. Maintaining these structures has in many instances become a shared responsibility, incorporating planning, funding and effort from various levels of government, private organizations and individuals. At a unique site, located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a current preservation effort at the New Cape Henry Lighthouse reflects the U.S. Coast Guard’s responsibility for maintaining the structure. A paint job and other improvements should enhance the aesthetic appeal of the site adjacent to the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse that draws approximately 80,000 visitors annually.

The preservation project includes major maintenance and repair of several structures at the site, including three Coast Guard-owned housing units and six auxiliary buildings in addition to the actual lighthouse.

Construction specific to the New Cape Henry Lighthouse replaced and repaired historic wood, cast iron and masonry elements to improve structural integrity, and provided new finishes to restore the lighthouse to its former glory.

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