VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — On August 7, 1789, the bill authorizing the construction of Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was signed into law. Included on the City of Virginia Beach seal and operated by the nonprofit Preservation Virginia, Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is offering a day of special programming to celebrate “National Lighthouse Day.”
On Thursday, August 7th, 2025, from 10AM-5PM, guests can access both the Old and New Cape Henry Lighthouses, a rare opportunity as the “new” lighthouse built in 1881 is still in active service. The Virginia Beach Police Department and the U.S. Navy’s Environmental Mascot Stewie the Sea Turtle will be in attendance. Families can enjoy crafts and activities while learning about maritime life from local museums. Food will be available for purchase from the Marine Canteen Food Truck and local vendors will be on site. This event is free and open to the public.
The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federally-funded project of the U.S. government, was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. The lighthouses are located near the “First Landing” site of early English settlers headed to Jamestown. Built with Aquia sandstone like much of Washington, D.C., the lighthouse safely guided sea travelers for almost 100 years before the new lighthouse was constructed…