Cape Charles in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Jetty House
This small white building is known as the "Jetty House" because of its original location on the north jetty of the Cape Charles Harbor. The harbor was created in 1883 by the New York Philadelphia & Norfolk Railroad to provide a terminal for passenger steamers and railroad car floats.
Over time, due to shifting sands and currents, the harbor began to fill in. In 1896, the harbor was restored to a depth of 16 ft. and width of 70 ft. and a 400 ft. stone jetty was constructed at the north end. By 1900 the jetty had been lengthened several times to its final length of 1600 feet which extended it to the Cherrystone channel.
This little house sat at the beginning of the north jetty and was most likely built at the time of completion of the jetty. It was used to control navigation lights on and adjacent to the jetty, as well as a fog bell which sat at the other end of the jetty where a second smaller jetty house stood.
While the north jetty still stands, the jetty houses were removed at some point and this one became a backyard play house in Cape Charles until its origins were discovered and is was donated to the Historical Society. What happened to the smaller jetty house is unknown.
Erected by Cape Charles Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 37° 16.077′ N, 76° 0.473′ W. Marker is in Cape Charles, Virginia, in Northampton County. It is at the intersection of Randolph Avenue and Bahama Road, on the right when traveling east on Randolph Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 814 Randolph Ave, Cape Charles VA 23310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, on the Delmarva Peninsula, 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: Bloxom Passenger Station (a few steps from this marker); Highball (a few steps from this marker); Tank Car (within shouting distance of this marker); Box Car (within shouting distance of this marker); Cape Charles (within shouting distance of this marker); BCR 2000 Locomotive (within shouting distance of this marker); Jerry Lewis (within shouting distance of this marker); RF&P Baggage Car (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Charles.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
