In observance of National Lighthouse Day, Preservation Virginia will hold a special celebration at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Virginia Beach.
National Lighthouse Day, which is actually Aug. 7, marks the day when, in 1789, Congress approved an act that established support for lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers.
Work on the “old” Cape Henry Lighthouse near the First Landing site — now part of Fort Story in Virginia Beach — started shortly thereafter, and it was completed in 1792 at a cost of $17,700. Concerns over the condition of the old lighthouse led to the construction of a new one just 350 feet away in 1881.
The event will feature a bounce house and other family-oriented activities, as well as an appearance by a lighthouse keeper, who will talk about what life was like tending to a lighthouse.
There will also be walking tours and a last chance to climb the old light house before it closes for repairs. Tickets are available online.
This story was published in partnership with our sister publication, Southside Daily.
