Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Old Point Comfort Light

Photographed by PaulwC3, May 15, 2014

1. Old Point Comfort Light Marker

Inscription. The lighthouse, built in 1802, is the oldest standing structure at Fort Monroe. It remains an active navigational aid, the property of the U.S. Coast Guard. During the War of 1812, the tower was used as a lookout by a British invasion force while they attacked Washington. The adjacent house was the lightkeepers' quarters until the light was automated in 1973 when the house became Army property.

Erected 1988 by Department of Conservation and Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-93.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Communications • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1802.

Location. 37° 0.095′ N, 76° 18.386′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Fort Monroe. It is on Fenwick Road 0.3 miles east of Ingalls Road, on the left when traveling east. The lighthouse is closed to the public. But viewable from Fenwick Road. Parking is available at the nearby Engineer Wharf Fishing Pier parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Monroe VA 23651, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Peninsula

and in Coastal Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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: The Sculpture (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cultural Connections (within shouting distance of this marker); Battery Irwin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Movement of a Legacy (about 300 feet away); Jefferson Davis Memorial Arch (about 300 feet away); Battery Parrott (about 300 feet away); Fort Monroe History (about 300 feet away); An Enduring Legacy? (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.

Other markers no longer nearby. Engineer Wharf (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Fort Monroe Seawall History (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named Fort Monroe Seawall History (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, Lighthousefriends.com. (Submitted on August 19, 2019.)
2. Fort Monroe (Stone Fort) National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. (Submitted on August 19, 2019.)
3. Fort Monroe National Monument, National Park Service. (Submitted on August 19, 2019.)

Wide view of the Old Point Comfort Light Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by PaulwC3, May 15, 2014

2. Wide view of the Old Point Comfort Light Marker

The Old Point Comfort lighthouse (1802) and lightkeeper's house (1900) stand in front of the walls and moat of Fort Monroe.

Photographed by Nancy Hann, January 18, 2021

3. Old Point Comfort Light Marker

This lighthouse is also designated as Stop # 11 on the Fort Monroe Self-guided Walking Tour.

Old Point Comfort Lighthouse Virginia Historic Landmark Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 16, 2021

4. Old Point Comfort Lighthouse Virginia Historic Landmark Marker

Located on the west side of the lighthouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,419 times since then and 45 times this year. Last updated on January 19, 2021, by Nancy Hann of Chesapeake, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 19, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 3. submitted on January 19, 2021, by Nancy Hann of Chesapeake, Virginia. 4. submitted on October 21, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.