This barrel was the left gun of Turret 1 on the battleship USS Iowa from 1942 until 1954, and fired in anger during World War II and the Korean War. This gun is 50 calibers long (68 ft), 50 times its 16-inch bore diameter and weighs in at 237,110 . . . — — Map (db m276205) HM
On the site of the 24th Street Park stood the U.S. Life-Saving/Coast Guard Station which safeguarded this section of coastline for many years. The 1903 station was relocated to its current site in 1980, renovated and opened to the public as a museum . . . — — Map (db m165973) HM
In Honor of the Courageous Members of the Virginia Air National Guard 203rd Red Horse Flight Who Perished in Service to Country and Community on March 3, 2001
James Beninati • Paul Blancato • Ernest Blawas • Andrew Bridges
Eric Bulman . . . — — Map (db m161681) HM WM
This dwelling illustrates the transition from Virginia’s temporary frontier structures of the early 17th century to the more permanent, gentry houses of the 18th century. It stands on land obtained in 1636 by Adam Thoroughgood, who came to the . . . — — Map (db m2528) HM
Near here stood the house of Adam Thorowgood (1604-1640), who arrived in Virginia as an indentured servant in 1621. After completing his service, Thorowgood became a leading citizen in Lower Norfolk County. In 1635, he received 5350 acres of land . . . — — Map (db m73870) HM
The Cape Henry Lighthouse has been serving as a guide to mariners entering and navigating the Chesapeake Bay since 1792. The mouth of the Chesapeake Bay has many dangerous shoals and is the site of numerous shipwrecks.
The Light
The . . . — — Map (db m276213) HM
The first American astronaut in space, Shepard flew aboard Mercury 3, reaching an altitude of 116 miles on a 15-minute flight on May 5, 1961. In 1971, he commanded Apollo 14 and walked on the surface of the moon for nine hours. On live worldwide TV, . . . — — Map (db m165919) HM
The Norfolk Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution dedicates this monument on behalf of our ancestors that fought for this country’s independence, 1775 to 1783. These ancestors answered the call of a fledgling country to fight the tyranny . . . — — Map (db m161705) WM
Ashe was the first African-American tennis player to win Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. He played on the U.S. Davis Cup team (1963-70, '75, '76, '78) and as captain, the U.S. won ('81, '82). Ashe was the 1992 Sportsman of the Year. — — Map (db m165907) HM
Coastal areas along the Atlantic shoreline have always been acutely vulnerable to hurricanes and northeast storms. Virginia Beach is no exception. Ironically, the most massive and destructive storm of the modern era wasn't a hurricane or even a . . . — — Map (db m165157) HM
The Council of Garden Clubs of Virginia Beach and Princess Anne Co.
Sponsored the development of this 47 block Atlantic Parkway in 1952-1954, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Highways and the City of Virginia Beach. Many . . . — — Map (db m84229) HM
The days of skies darkened by flight of ducks and geese may be gone, but the memories of those days are preserved through the works of art and preserved artifacts. — — Map (db m165882) HM
This traditional Japanese building with simplicity and beauty which is called Azumaya, was built in celebration of the Twentieth Anniversary of our Sister City relation between Miyazaki City, Japan, and the City of Virginia Beach. The . . . — — Map (db m301902) HM
Navy - Marines - Army - Army Air Corps
Dec. 8, 1941 — May 6, 1943
In honor of the 60,000 "Battling Bastards" of Bataan/Corregidor Philippine Islands
May we never forget their sacrifices — — Map (db m98417) HM
On the morning of September 5, 1781, a line of 19 British warships appeared off this cape, headed for Chesapeake Bay. Surprised at anchor in the mouth of the bay, the crews of 24 French warships scrambled out to challenge them. Both fleets sailed . . . — — Map (db m23139) HM
In September 1781, a naval engagement between two powerful fleets denied British forces access to the Chesapeake Bay and trapped Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. This little known battle helped end British domination in America. What led to this . . . — — Map (db m194646) HM
As the barge carrying the Comte de Rochambeau and his staff approached Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, around 4 p.m. on September 5, 1781, Baron Ludwig von Closen "discerned in the distance General George Washington… waving his hat and a white . . . — — Map (db m276156) HM
Beaches are dynamic places where wind, waves, and currents constantly move sand and where ocean water is creeping inland due to sinking land and rising sea level.
Why is the beach sand always in motion?
Breaking waves create a . . . — — Map (db m276108) HM
"Bojangles" was the first African-American superstar entertainer, starting in Vaudeville as a dancer and becoming a movie actor. By 1908, he was earning $3,500 a week. His famous "stair dance" was invented spontaneously while we was receiving an . . . — — Map (db m165925) HM
Born a slave and deprived of any early education, Booker T. Washington became America's foremost black educator of the 20th Century. He was the founder of the Tuskegee Institute where he championed vocational training as a means of self-reliance. A . . . — — Map (db m165889) HM
\The first church on this site was completed in June 1692.
It became the second church building of the
Colonial Era in Lynnhaven Parish.
The construction specifications were for “A Good And
Substantial Brick . . . — — Map (db m135018) HM
British Naval Blockade and Cape Henry Lighthouse. During the War of 1812, a British naval blockade along much of the U.S. East Coast disrupted foreign trade and interfered with commerce. On 4 Feb. 1813, the blockade was extended to the . . . — — Map (db m94317) HM
Buoy lantern originally from a lighted gong buoy. Built with a Fresnel lens, this buoy uses glass prisms to create a brighter, more direct spotlight through refracting & reflecting. Recovered from the sea floor off Cape Henry, Virginia, by divers . . . — — Map (db m276079) HM
Camp Ashby, a World War II prisoner of war camp for German soldiers, occupied more than 200 acres just north of here. Its headquarters was the main building of the former Tidewater Memorial Hospital, a tuberculosis sanitarium that had opened on this . . . — — Map (db m195116) HM
The Canoes ushers visitors into the beauty and history of the Chesapeake Bay area using ten full-size aluminum canoes with elaborate filigree lace patterns, a nod to the decorative arts of the early settlers. The canoes are joined at the . . . — — Map (db m276158) HM
The 1792 tower was beginning to show its age by the 1870s. Cracks that are now known to be superficial began to appear. The second-order Fresnel lens was no longer producing enough light for mariners and shipwrecks were increasing.
In 1878, . . . — — Map (db m276214) HM
Silently guarding entry into the Chesapeake Bay, the Cape Henry Lighthouse was our nation's first Public Works project and stands near the First Landing spot of Jamestown settlers. — — Map (db m165136) HM
Here at Cape Henry first landed in America, upon 26 April 1607, those English colonists who, upon 13 May 1607, established at Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English colony in America. — — Map (db m23198) HM
On April 26, 1607 three small ships approached the Chesapeake Bay from the southeast and made their landfall at Cape Henry, the southernmost promontory of that body of water. The Virginia Company expedition had set sail from England in December, . . . — — Map (db m276250) HM
The first railroad to Cape Henry was a temporary tramway built in 1880 to transport materials for the construction of the new Cape Henry Lighthouse. In 1902 the Chesapeake Transit Company opened an electric rail line from Norfolk to the cape, . . . — — Map (db m138073) HM
Our earliest national hero, Captain Smith established the first permanent English settlement in America in Jamestown in 1607. Saved by Pocahontas, he established peaceful relations with the Algonquin Indian tribes. His rigid discipline was "He who . . . — — Map (db m165938) HM
“The First Family of Country Music,” They switched emphasis from hillbilly instrumentals to harmony vocals, made scores of standard country music classics, and made their “CarterLick” guitar-playing the dominant technique for . . . — — Map (db m165920) HM
The Cavalier Hotel, completed in 1927 is emblematic of Virginia Beach’s transformation from small town to major resort during the Roaring Twenties. The hotel’s luxurious accommodations attracted visitors from across the country, including several . . . — — Map (db m134226) HM
Charles Kuralt (1934 - 1997) was a native of North Carolina with deep family roots in the Tarheel region. As a distinguished radio and broadcast journalist, Kuralt was the innovator of a popular television news feature, "On the Road." Traveling . . . — — Map (db m231565) HM
Total project cost, building time and opening dates
(No local, State or Federal Tax Money Used)
North - $200,000,000 - 42 Months
Opened April 15, 1964
South - $250,000,000 - 46 Months
Opened April 19, 1999
Length 17.6 Miles Shore . . . — — Map (db m106569) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m34863) HM
In 1861, the Confederate navy converted the hulk of U.S.S. Merrimack into an ironclad, CSS Virginia. On March 8, 1861, the Virginia sank one Union warship and drove another aground in flames before the north's ironclad, U.S.S. Monitor, crossed the . . . — — Map (db m34960) HM
In World War II more than 700,000 American men and women went to the conflict through the Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation. Over 900,000 more arrived, including the wounded, survivors of sea battles and prisoners of war.
The U-boat peril reached . . . — — Map (db m34873) HM
On the morning of December 16, 1907, President Teddy Roosevelt sent the "Great White Fleet" around the world to demonstrate American technology and resolve. Sixteen battleships passed by this point en route to Trinidad and points south, returning . . . — — Map (db m34867) HM
Every type of Navy ship operates on the Chesapeake Bay en route to or from the great naval installations of Hampton Roads. There are easy ways to identify them, starting with color. Most navies in the world paint their ships gray- although some are . . . — — Map (db m34870) HM
In 1585, two towns of the Chesapeake Indians
called Apasus and Chesepiooc were visited by the
English Roanoke expedition and later included in
Theodor De Bry's map of Virginia. Archaeological
research conducted in the Great Neck . . . — — Map (db m69664) HM
Chief Powhatan was the paramount ruler of more than 30 indigenous tribes in the Chesapeake Bay area, and the highest Native American authority the Virginia colonists encountered. He welcomed Capt. John Smith, and initiated peaceful relations with . . . — — Map (db m165910) HM
Near this site Lynnhaven Parish Church was built in 1639. The church and its graveyard were the victims of erosion by the waters of the Lynnhaven River. Among gravestones found were those of Adam Thoroughgood and his wife Sarah, and her last two . . . — — Map (db m108916) HM
This concrete circular gun mount remains as part of a 16 inch howitzer battery built to defend the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. The battery was active until the final days of World War II when it was declared obsolete and scrapped. The below . . . — — Map (db m94330) HM
Dedicated to the residents, businesses and guests of the City of Virginia Beach. The Boardwalk and Seawall are visible reminders of a strong community commitment to protecting all who live, work and visit in our city.
Designed by the U.S. . . . — — Map (db m276088) HM
Seashore State Park at Cape Henry, now known as First Landing State Park, was built by an all African American regiment of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal-era relief program that employed young men ages 17 to 25. The CCC program provided . . . — — Map (db m8315) HM
Claude V. Ricketts, the Navy's first seamon to rise to four-star admiral, was made an honorary citizen of Norfolk during his station tour in 1961. He enlisted in the Navy and then graduated as an officer from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1929. Ricketts . . . — — Map (db m165944) HM
John Thorowgood Jr., Revolutionary-Era leader,
lived on an 840-acre plantation near here, on Little
Creek. He was elected to the Convention of 1776,
which adopted Virginia’s resolutions for independence,
the Virginia Declaration of Rights, . . . — — Map (db m129841) HM
Virginia Burgess Francis Yeardley sponsored an expedition to the Albemarle region of present-day North Carolina in 1653. This party returned with several Native Americans including a chief, possibly Kiscutanewh of the Weapemeoc (Yeopim), who lodged . . . — — Map (db m251222) HM
The Army established a garrison at Cape Henry in 1914. Resort development continued alongside the Army fort throughout the 1930s. In 1941, the Army closed the area to civilian occupation, razed nearly 300 cottages, and acquired the remaining . . . — — Map (db m276188) HM
McCormick invented the mechanical reaper in 1834, combining all steps that earlier harvesting machines performed separately. His time-saving invention allowed farmers to double their crop size and spurred innovations in farm machinery. His factory . . . — — Map (db m165892) HM
The Maddox Family opened the first oceanfront Dairy Queen in Virginia Beach in 1949. We have continuously operated these stores for 66 years. This photo is of our Dairy Queen located at 5th and Atlantic (currently Waterman's), in 1955. This store . . . — — Map (db m276181) HM
"Back in the day," heading out to the beach was not an all-day event. Even 125 years ago there was a broad awareness of the damaging effects of the sun's rays. Those who did venture out for a quick dip to cool off did so later in the afternoon. . . . — — Map (db m165162) HM
The de Witt Cottage, built in 1895 by B. P. Holland, Virginia Beach's first mayor, was the first brick structure built at the oceanfront. With 14" thick outside walls and a sturdy foundation, the building has survivied many northeasters and . . . — — Map (db m33352) HM
The de Witt Cottage, built in 1895 by B. P. Holland, Virginia Beach's first mayor, was the first brick structure built at the oceanfront. With 14" thick outside walls and a sturdy foundation, the building has survivied many northeasters and . . . — — Map (db m276115) HM
On this site in 1776 stood a tavern in which, according to tradition, a victory dance was held to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, later the tavern became the home of the Herrick Family. — — Map (db m262994) HM
August 1790: The Commonwealth of Virginia transferred two acres of land at Cape Henry to the United States to construct the Cape Henry Lighthouse.
November 1790: National newspaper published a request for bids on the United States' first . . . — — Map (db m276218) HM
Devon Miller is a lifelong artist and native of Virginia Beach. She has worked as a creative since 2012; first as a graphic designer and now as a freelance artist while teaching high school level visual arts. Her murals feature bright, bold . . . — — Map (db m276064) HM
The smallest of the three ships, it was the only one to stay at Jamestown after the first voyage to Virginia. During the voyage from England the Discovery carried 21 people. Living up to its name, it was used by Captain John Smith on his voyages . . . — — Map (db m165978) HM
General MacArthur was one of only five American five-star generals. His leadership in the Pacific helped ensure Allied victory, and he accepted Japan's unconditional surrender ending World War II. He is remembered for saying "I shall return!" to the . . . — — Map (db m165887) HM
Dr. Ralph Stanley formed the Clinch Mountain Boys and introduced his distinctive singing and a unique style of banjo playing now called "Stanley style." Leading the first generation of bluegrass musicians, he was inducted into the International . . . — — Map (db m165956) HM
First Stand Alone Library in Virginia Beach
How it began- Mrs. A.C Maury, Mrs Darlie Patch, Mrs E.M. Johns and several other members of the Women’s Municipal League in 1930 bought two books each to a party to form the nucleus of the present . . . — — Map (db m276120) HM
Originally named for its proximity to the eastern
shore of the Lynnhaven River, the first Eastern
Shore Chapel was built elsewhere by 1689. The
vestry of Lynnhaven Prish commissioned the
building of the third Eastern Shore Chapel in
1754. . . . — — Map (db m69597) HM
"The Dark Genius," Poe is among America's best poets and the originator of the American short story, both of which he elevated to art forms. He penned such literary classics as "The Raven," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The . . . — — Map (db m165926) HM
The First Lady of Jazz possessed superlative musicianship and skill in scat singing (improvisational vocals). After being discovered at age 16 in a Harlem talent show, Fitzgerald performed throughout America, Europe and Asia and on milestone . . . — — Map (db m165911) HM
The Emerging Community
The combination of lighthouses, life-saving stations and the Virginia pilots have guided and assisted many a mariner from the earliest days as they enter and exit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. They were joined at . . . — — Map (db m276182) HM
Coast Artillery Post (1914-1948)
Fort story became a military installation in 1914. The first major coast defense was Battery Pennington, consisting of four 16-inch M1920 howitzers. Four circular open open concrete pads were . . . — — Map (db m276191) HM
Ferry Plantation
House
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1830 — — Map (db m287517) HM
Dedicated to the memory of all Filipino and Filipino-Americans who served, fought and died in service to the Armed Forces of the United States of America… From the mountains and tunnels of Bataan and Corregidor to the infamous Capas Death March; . . . — — Map (db m200113) WM
Filipinos, who had served in the U.S. Navy as early as the Civil War, began enlisting in larger numbers after the U.S. took possession of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. The Philippines gained independence in 1946, and an . . . — — Map (db m200109) HM WM
Near here the first permanent English settlers in North America first landed on American soil, April 26, 1607. From here they went on to make the settlement at Jamestown. The brick lighthouse was built in 1791. — — Map (db m2670) HM
Landed April 26, 1607
Captain Gabriel Archer Christopher Newport
Hon. George S. Percy Bartholomew Gobfold
Edward Maria Vincefeld
with twenty-five others
who
calling the place
"Cape Henry"
planted a cross
April 29, 1607
"Dei . . . — — Map (db m77578) HM
Before Plymouth Rock and Jamestown, there was Virginia Beach. English colonists landed here in 1607, and gave thanks for a successful crossing to a new land by erecting a wooden cross. — — Map (db m165137) HM
Left Plaque
First Landing State Park
(Seashore)
has been registered as a
Virginia
Historic
Landmark
pursuant to the authority vested in the
Virginia Board of Historic
Resources Right Plaque . . . — — Map (db m69832) HM
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. . . . — — Map (db m77577) HM
Fisheries
Bay Challenges
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation consistently advocates for science-based fisheries management at state and regional levels.
1800s
American shad were a top catch in the 1800s. Today, . . . — — Map (db m276153) HM
Flame Of Hope
This flame will burn continuously
to light the way for the return
of our Prisoners Of War held in
South East Asia
Dedicated by
Concerned Citizens and
Service Men of Tidewater
Area
USS Shenandoah AD . . . — — Map (db m70036) WM
The Flame of Hope monument was conceived in 1972
as a volunteer project headed by Attack Squadron 43 at
Naval Air Station Oceana. The monument provided
squadron personal with a means to express their
concern for the Prisoners of War and Missing . . . — — Map (db m70153) HM WM
CAPT Adam Thorowgood (1604-1640) Founder
COL Thomas Walke I (1642-1694) Colonial War
COL Edward Moseley (1661-1736) Colonial War
COL Anthony Walke I (1692-1768) Colonial War
COL Edward Hack Moseley (1717-1783) Colonial War
Lt COL . . . — — Map (db m135219) HM WM
Francis Land House, circa 1732. Placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, 1975.
The Francis Land House, circa 1732. Marked by Princess Anne County Chapter, NSDAR, Bicentennial Project, Nov. 13, 1976. — — Map (db m2628) HM
This statue, a gift from France is placed here, overlooking the waters where Admiral Comte de Grasse successfully engaged the British Fleet on September 5, 1781. The “Battle of the Capes” prevented crucial reinforcements from reaching Cornwallis, . . . — — Map (db m32983) HM
"…I wish it was in my power to express to Congress how much I feel myself indebted to the Count of deGrasse and his fleet…" G. Washington Oct 19, 1781
"…I consider myself infinitely happy to have been of some service to the United . . . — — Map (db m138085) HM
Cape Henry Memorial is part of the Colonial National Historical Park. This park encompasses two other significant areas: Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English settlement in 1607, and Yorktown, the last decisive battle in the American . . . — — Map (db m276247) HM
Dedicated to the veterans of
the United States of America.
In memory of our departed comrades,
those veterans who are missing in action
or held as prisoners of war. — — Map (db m161610) WM
Gen. Marshall graduated VMI, beginning a long career of public service including Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, Army Chief of Staff and helping to develop NATO. His "Marshall Plan" for European economic . . . — — Map (db m165931) HM
On the night of October 20, 1906, the steamship George Farwell coasted along the Cape Henry shoreline to conserve fuel. During the night a storm developed and the Farwell ran aground 600 yeards offshore south of Cape Henry Life-Saving Station. In a . . . — — Map (db m276071) HM
George Kendall made history with his death. He was the first colonist to be sentenced to capital punishment. Captain Kendall was first arrested for sowing discord between the council president Wingfield and the rest of the council. With no prison . . . — — Map (db m165980) HM
Mason's wording in the Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776 influenced the first ten amendments to the Constitution forming the U.S. Bill of Rights. His stand as an unwavering abolitionist led to halting the importation of slaves to America. — — Map (db m165916) HM
General Patton, a second generation VMI cadet with three cavalry tours at Ft. Myer, is among the greatest military commanders in U.S. history. He led allied ground troops in Africa, achieved victory in Sicily in just 38 days, and . . . — — Map (db m165890) HM
The Father of Our Country, Washington was unanimously elected the First President of the United States. He commanded the American forces at Yorktown to victory over the British creating American Independence. He later individually stopped a soldiers . . . — — Map (db m165886) HM
Sherwood lived in Princess Anne County from the later 1600’s until the 1730’s, an era when many American colonists believed in witchcraft as a way to explain unusual events. Sherwood submitted to a trial by water, a “witch ducking,” in 1706, . . . — — Map (db m287519) HM
Sherwood lived in Princess Anne County from the latter 1600’s until the 1730’s, an era when many American colonists believed in witchcraft as a way to explain unusual events. Sherwood submitted to a trial by water, a "witch ducking," in 1706, . . . — — Map (db m165883) HM
Sherwood lived in Princess Anne County from the latter 1600’s until the 1730’s, an era when many American colonists believed in witchcraft as a way to explain unusual events. Sherwood submitted to a trial by water, a "witch ducking," in 1706, . . . — — Map (db m276066) HM
