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By Scott Rollins, June 23, 2009 | |
| | | 1. Fresnel Lens Marker | | |
Inscription. This pavilion displays a first order Fresnel lens from the second Hog Island Light. The lens began service in 1896. Originally built in 1852, the first building was destroyed by erosion and rebuilt in 1896, only to be deactivated in 1948. The locations of both these lights are now under water off the Eastern Shore.
The Fresnel Lens was named after Augustin Fresnel — the French physicist who devised the optical system around 1822. At about 10 feet high and 2,500 pounds, this lens is among the largest and brightest of its kind, with more than 250 prisms of optical glass. Only the lens at Makapu’u Point Light, Hawaii is larger.
Established in 1852, the Hog Island Light was located on the north side of the Great Machipongo Inlet on the Eastern Shore of Virginia until its demolition in 1948.
The restoration of the lens and the construction of the pavilion were funded by the Portsmouth Museums Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the City of Portsmouth and the Fifth Coast Guard District. The dedication ceremony of the Fresnel Lens Pavilion took place on November 5, 2003.
Location. 36° 50.088′ N, 76° 17.769′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. Marker can be reached from the intersection of | | | | 
By Scott Rollins, June 23, 2009 | |
| | | 2. Fresnel Lens | | |
High Street and Water Street. Click for map. Marker is along the seawall, just south of the High Street ferry landing, southeast of the intersection of High Street and Water Street. Marker is in this post office area: Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Elizabeth River (within shouting distance of this marker); In Commemoration of the Last Public Appearance of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody (within shouting distance of this marker); Seaboard Air Line Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); John Luke Porter (about 400 feet away, in a direct line); Naval Shipyard Museum (about 400 feet away); Revolutionary War at Portsmouth (about 400 feet away); Home Site of William Crawford (d. 1762) Founder of Portsmouth (about 400 feet away); Gosport Navy Yard (about 600 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Portsmouth.
Credits. This page originally submitted on July 28, 2009, by Scott Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. This page has been viewed 863 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 28, 2009, by Scott Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
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