Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

First Public Works Project of the United States Government

Photographed By Kevin W., September 27, 2014

1. First Public Works Project of the United States Government Marker

Inscription.
Construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse was authorized by the First United States Congress on August 7, 1789.

President George Washington personally reviewed bids in January, 1791 and chose John McCombs, a New York Bricklayer, as contractor.

Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, and the contractor signed the contract on March 31, 1791.

Construction on the $17,700 project started August 1, 1791.

The lighthouse began its 100 years of service in the fall of 1792.

Commemorated this 28th day of August, 1981 by the Public Works Historical Society and Virginia-D.C.-Maryland Chapter American Public Works Association

Erected 1981 by Public Works Historical Society and Virginia-D.C.-Maryland Chapter American Public Works Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Labor Unions • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1791.

Location. 36° 55.544′ N, 76° 0.482′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is in Fort Story. Marker is on Atlantic Avenue near Cape Henry Road. Located within Joint Expeditionary Base East, formerly Fort Story. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia Beach VA 23459, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. History of Cape Henry Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); First Landing (a few steps from this marker); Old Cape Henry Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); British Naval Blockade and Cape Henry Lighthouse / The War of 1812 (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Story (within shouting distance of this marker); Cape Henry Railroads (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle of the Capes 1781 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cape Henry Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.

Also see . . . Public Works Historical Society. Society website homepage:
"The lighthouse stands today as a historical monument not only to our nation's heritage, but also to the timelessness of public works." (Submitted on September 30, 2014, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

Cape Henry Lighthouse image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 22, 2021

2. Cape Henry Lighthouse

National Register of Historic Places nomination form
Click for more information.

Photographed By Kevin W., September 27, 2014

3. First Public Works Project of the United States Government Marker

The new Cape Henry Lighthouse can be seen in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2014, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,068 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 30, 2014, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on May 22, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on September 30, 2014, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.