Cape Charles Light, Historic lighthouse on Smith Island, Virginia.
Cape Charles Light is a lighthouse on Smith Island, Virginia, featuring an octagonal skeleton tower that rises approximately 180 feet (55 meters) above the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. The structure uses a central iron tube supported by eight massive legs, which creates a lighter and more innovative design than traditional brick constructions.
The current lighthouse was built in 1894, replacing two earlier lighthouses on Smith Island that were destroyed by shoreline erosion. This new construction became necessary to maintain reliable navigation at this strategically important entrance to Chesapeake Bay.
The lighthouse stands as a symbol of maritime heritage along Virginia's eastern shore, marking the northern gateway to Chesapeake Bay, one of the nation's most important waterways. Visitors arriving on Smith Island can sense the place's role in the region's seafaring tradition.
The lighthouse operates as an automated beacon, flashing every five seconds with a visibility range of about 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers) for maritime navigation. Plan your visit during clear weather when the island remains accessible by water.
The lighthouse features an unusual design with a central iron tube and eight massive supporting legs, giving it a skeletal appearance that sets it apart from traditional brick lighthouses. This innovative construction was more economical and better suited to the unstable ground conditions on the island.
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