Jones Point Light

Jones Point Light is a riverside lighthouse in Alexandria featuring a white square building topped with a gray conical lantern. The structure sits at the water's edge of the Potomac River, displaying the practical design typical of 19th-century maritime navigation aids.

The lighthouse was constructed in 1855 and guided vessels approaching the Washington Navy Yard until deactivation in 1926. Its role in navigation ended when a steel tower took over the task of guiding ships.

The structure represents maritime heritage and marks the southern boundary cornerstone of the original District of Columbia survey from 1791. This boundary point played a key role in defining the nation's capital.

The lighthouse is located in Jones Point Park where the exterior remains visible and accessible to visitors. The interior is closed to the public, but the waterside location offers good views of the river and the surrounding area.

The lighthouse served as a residence for Benjamin Greenwood, its principal keeper, who lived there with his second wife and eleven children. This family of thirteen occupied the small four-room structure during his service.

Location: Alexandria

GPS coordinates: 38.79039,-77.04064

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07