South Thimble Island in Virginia Beach, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Chesapeake Bay: History Happened Here
Cape Henry in Peace and War
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 16, 2010
1. The Chesapeake Bay : History Happened Here Marker
Directly to the east is Cape Henry, which along with Cape Charles, define the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. Both "old" and "new" Cape Henry lighthouses are visible. In September, 1781 the waters off Cape Henry witnessed two-and-a-half hours of naval warfare. That month, America's ally France sent ships to deny an English fleet access to the Bay. This battle off the Cape allowed General George Washington to finish the siege of Yorktown, Virginia. The British Army could not be rescued.
The new United States government built the old Cape Henry Lighthouse in 1792, its first federal work project. The light, which cost $17,700 to construct, ensured safe sailing commerce on the Virginia and Maryland coasts. Almost 100 years later a new lighthouse was built of steel for safety reasons. It opened in 1881.
Erected by Hampton Roads Naval Museum Local History World Events.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Military • Notable Buildings
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Location. 36° 57.979′ N, 76° 6.728′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is on South Thimble Island. Marker is on Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (U.S. 13), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia Beach VA 23455, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Chesapeake Bay : History Happened Here (a few steps from this marker); Tribute to Admiral de Grasse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Chesapeake Bay: History Happened Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Lucius J. Kellam, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Chesapeake Bay : History Happened Here (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Chesapeake Bay : History Happened Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Adam Thorowgood (approx. 4.2 miles away); Meeting of Three Commanders (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 15, 2010
2. The Chesapeake Bay : History Happened Here Marker
Photographed By History Happened Here Marker
3. The Chesapeake Bay : History Happened Here Marker
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 16, 2010
4. The Chesapeake Bay : History Happened Here Marker
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 15, 2010
5. Cape Charles
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 9, 2010
6. Cape Henry
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 9, 2010
7. Cape Henry Lighthouses "Old" and "New"
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 749 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 24, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on August 25, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 3, 4. submitted on October 24, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 25, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
