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

Back River Lighthouse Ruins

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. Back River Lighthouse Ruins Marker

Inscription. One mile north, the Back River Lighthouse and keeper's dwelling stood for 127 years. The lighthouse was built for $4,250 in 1829, automated in 1915, and decommissioned in 1936. A guide for watermen and a meeting place for the community, the "picturesque Grand View Light Station" also served as a "mecca for local and visiting artists" according to a 1950 local newspaper. The lighthouse was one of the oldest structures in the area until neglect, wind, and water took their toll. Hurricane Flossy completely destroyed it in 1956, leaving only a pile of stones in the surf to mark the remains of the thirty-foot tower.

Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number WY-87.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.

Location. 37° 4.604′ N, 76° 16.555′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Beach Road and Lighthouse Drive, on the right when traveling east on Beach Road. Located near the shoreline at the end of Beach Road. Touch

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for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hampton VA 23664, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula

and in Coastal Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fox Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fox Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fox Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fox Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fox Hill (approx. ¼ mile away); Buckroe Beach (approx. 2.6 miles away); Buckroe (approx. 2.6 miles away); a different marker also named Buckroe

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Back River Lighthouse Ruins Marker

Beach (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.

Also see . . . Back River Light. Wikipedia (Submitted on August 1, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 661 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.