Great Wicomico River Light

Great Wicomico River Light is a lighthouse positioned at the mouth of the Great Wicomico River in Virginia, standing on a screwpile foundation in the western Chesapeake Bay. The hexagonal tower rises from the water and was designed to guide vessels navigating through this important shipping channel.

The lighthouse was built in 1889 and served as a navigation aid for vessels on Chesapeake Bay until 1967. After its deactivation, the original wooden and iron structure was replaced with a modern beacon while the historic screwpile foundation remained in place.

The lighthouse reflects the maritime development of Virginia's coastal region, serving as a testament to 19th-century navigational infrastructure.

The location sits in the shallow waters of Chesapeake Bay and is best viewed from the water or through boat tours in the area. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public for visits, but can be photographed by those taking river cruises or coastal exploration tours.

The lighthouse was built on a screwpile foundation, an innovative engineering technique that allowed structures to be anchored in shallow coastal waters. This method made it possible to construct lighthouses in locations where conventional foundations would have been impossible.

Location: Northumberland County

GPS coordinates: 37.80420,-76.26750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40