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
Surface-borne combatants conduct at-sea battle operations against air, surface, and subsurface enemies and protect sea lanes.
Sub-surface combatants destroy enemy ships, primarily submarines, to prohibit the employment of such forces against . . . — — Map (db m106568) HM
A vast and fragile ecosystem that extends through six states and empties into the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay region is a mosaic of land and water. Its ports, urban centers, suburbs, and farms are home to almost 17 million people, its . . . — — Map (db m106570) 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 m138094) 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
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.
Erected by the National Society, Daughters of the . . . — — Map (db m23198) 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
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
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
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
Welcome to Fort Story, home to a variety of U.S. Army and Navy units. The installation's 1,451 acres are presently used for training by the Army's 7th Sustainment Brigade, Naval Amphibious forces and Special Operations forces. The post also serves . . . — — Map (db m79242) 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 . . . — — 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
Governor Alexander Spotswood first proposed building a lighthouse at Cape Henry in a message to the Virginia House of Burgesses on November 27, 1720. He suggested the province of Maryland should help pay part of the construction costs. For the next . . . — — Map (db m65675) HM
Land given by the State of Virginia 1789
First Lighthouse built by the United States Government
Deeded by Congress in 1930 to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities — — Map (db m77547) HM
Dedicated to
U.S.N. Armed Guard of World War II
The Armed Guard of WW II came into existence on April 15, 1941 as USN Naval Reserves began special gunnery training. On September 25, 1941, orders were given to train 200 officers and 1000 men . . . — — Map (db m94336) HM WM
Originally known as Kemp's Landing, Kempsville is located at the head of the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River. By the middle 1700s, it had become an important port community. Colonial Governor Lord Dunmore's forces fought the Princess Anne . . . — — Map (db m73903) 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
The same inscription is engraved on both sides of the marker:
In memory of those 2403 heroes who made the supreme sacrifice and to the survivors of Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii
A day that will live in infamy
"Remember Pearl Harbor" . . . — — Map (db m98416) WM
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 . . . — — Map (db m129862) HM
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
History of Thalia. The word “Thalia” is derived from the Greek “thallein”, meaning to flourish and bloom. The community of Thalia is generally bounded on the west by Thalia Creek, on the east by Lynn Shores Road, on . . . — — Map (db m21224) 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
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
"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
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 yards offshore south of Cape Henry Life-Saving . . . — — Map (db m165976) 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 countrys 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
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
"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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
"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
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
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
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
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 latter 1600s until the 1730s, 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
From the opening of the original Princess Anne Hotel in 1890, to today's towering oceanfront structures, Virginia Beach has long been recognized as a destination of choice. — — Map (db m165962) HM
This memorial park is dedicated to Billy Myers a Virginia Beach native and veteran of World War II and Korea. He was a founding member of the Tidewater Veterans Memorial Committee. He envisioned and worked tirelessly to bring this memorial park to . . . — — Map (db m161831) HM WM
The 4th U.S. President, Madison was the author of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which earned him the reputation as "Father of the Constitution." Serving during the "Second Revolution," or the War of 1812, he empowered the Navy with three . . . — — Map (db m165891) HM
The 5th U.S. President, his Monroe Doctrine was the foundation of foreign affairs: America would never again accept colonization by European powers. America would deem any attempt at such colonization dangerous to our peace and safety. Wars in . . . — — Map (db m165933) HM
Rear Admiral James Patrick Lannon graduated the U.S. Naval Academy in 1902. He received the Medal of Honor in 1914 for actions in the U.S. occupation of Veracruz. The Medal is the U.S.A.'s highest military honor, awarded for personal acts of . . . — — Map (db m165947) HM
Marshall is widely considered the founder of Constitutional Law and judicial precedent for his decisions during his 34-year tenure as the third Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He also served as the U.S. Secretary of State, as a U.S. . . . — — Map (db m165906) HM
The 10th U.S. President, Tyler was the first to succeed on death of an incumbent. He established "full presidential powers, not just acting power." His foreign policy opened trade with China and established the Maine boundary. He was the force . . . — — Map (db m165941) HM
A Virginia Beach Police Officer & Trainer, War Hero, Strong Man, Friend & Confidant, Fitness Guru And Comic
He touched the lives of thousands of people, Inspiring us to be strong, to run hard, to live, to laugh and to love.
John Wareing was . . . — — Map (db m165961) HM WM
Inspired by Josh Thompson's battle with ALS, the first JT Walk to Defeat ALS in 2008 drew over 5,000 supportive participants raised $1 million, shining a bright and hopeful light on the goodness of . . . — — Map (db m165881) HM
Couric was the first woman to solo anchor and be managing editor for a major television news prime-time broadcast, the CBS Evening News, in 2006. Prior to that, Couric was co-host of "NBC Today" for five years an . . . — — Map (db m165951) HM
First elected African-American governor in U.S. history, Wilder was a Virginian Senator and Lt. Governor before elected to the Commonwealth's top post. He balanced the state budget during recession without raising taxes and kept the state's highest . . . — — Map (db m165950) HM
(panel 1)
After nearly five months at sea, 104 Englishmen landed here at dawn on April 26, 1607. To honor their prince, they named the site Cape Henry and planted a wooden cross.
Fearing rival Spanish vessels, the newcomers headed . . . — — Map (db m98478) HM
Maury's system of recording the the oceanographic data of naval vessel and merchant marine ships was adopted worldwide when he published The Physical Geography of the Sea, "the first textbook of modern oceanography." His lifetime goal was to ensure . . . — — Map (db m165952) HM
Admiral de Grasse, commander of a large French
fleet, gained control of the Chesapeake Bay after
defeating a British fleet off the Virginia Capes on
5 Sept. 1781. Gen. George Washington, commander
in chief of the combined American and French . . . — — Map (db m134231) HM
Selected by President Jefferson, Lewis and William Clark led the western exploration of the land obtained by the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition was successful beyond all expectations in terms of geography, botany, biology, and first American . . . — — Map (db m165909) HM
NAS Oceana started as a fledgling airfield in an isolated area of Princess Anne County. By 1938, as the threat of war was growing closer, carrier squadrons were being established in the area; thousands of new pilots needed training, so the Navy . . . — — Map (db m112676) HM
Naval Aviation Monument
This is a monument to the proud heritage of Naval Aviation that has had many of its beginnings in Hampton Roads. It is here in Hampton Roads that the very first take-off from a ship was made by Eugene Ely in 1910. It . . . — — Map (db m107732) HM WM
The Naked Warrior
Here stands an Underwater Demolition Team swimmer ready for combat. These SEAL forerunners swam through enemy waters under fire to find and demolish obstacles in the way of amphibious landings. They saved . . . — — Map (db m165141) HM WM
Because marine mammals are vital members of a balanced ecosystem, Federal laws are in place to minimize the impact of human actives on their health, behavior and habitat. Any action that changes the behavior of a marine mammal is considered . . . — — Map (db m107139)
From the earliest of time humans have been awed by the power of the sea. Early civilizations declared it the domain of a major mythological deity the god of the sea! To the Greeks Poseidon To the Romans Neptune.
The statue was cast in bronze . . . — — Map (db m92554) HM
Sidney S. Kellam King Neptune VI
It was the dedication, perseverance and forward thinking action of one man that brought about in 1963 the merger of what was then a small city on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the rural landscape of . . . — — Map (db m165135) HM
In Honor of the students of
Oceana High School
Who gave their lives in the Service of their Country
World War II
Leroy Bishop Richard Bond Jack Brown Billy Caffee Spratley Edwards Leslie Flanagan Bobby Green . . . — — Map (db m161712) WM
Built in 1903, this station honors and preserves the history of Virginia's coastal communities, maritime heritage and lifesaving history along the coast line. — — Map (db m165963) HM
This piece is part of a vessel which wrecked south of the Little Island Life-Saving Station, an area now known as Sandbridge in Virginia Beach. It was uncovered in December 1993 near the shoreline following a winter storm. This portion indicates the . . . — — Map (db m165965) HM
Henry was a living symbol of America's struggle for liberty and self-government from British rule. His immortal appeal was, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." He was the first Virginia governor . . . — — Map (db m165912) HM
The Queen of Country Music, her multimillion-selling records are played worldwide. The first female solo artist in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Cline also is in the Recording Hall of Fame and the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and was a recipient . . . — — Map (db m165904) HM
President Nixon dubbed her "Ambassador of Love" to the world. "Pearlie Mae" sang with Count Basie and Cab Calloway, starred in the movie version of "Porgy and Bess," won a Tony Award for an African-American version of "Hello Dolly," and received the . . . — — Map (db m165915) HM
Pocahontas, daughter of Algonquin Chief Powhatan, displayed her heroism in 1607 by saving Captain John Smith's life. She was the first Native American to convert to Christianity and receive an English name, "Rebecca." Her marriage to John Rolfe . . . — — Map (db m165922) HM
The Boardwalk Art Show
The Boardwalk Art Show, established in 1955, has become the most respected outdoor fine arts show on the eastern seaboard. Produced and hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), this four day . . . — — Map (db m165147) HM
The Race Point Surfboat was used by the United States Life-Saving Service as one of three methods of rescue. Each station was equipped with two surfboats. This 24'6" replica of a Race Point surfboat was constructed by the Norfolk School of . . . — — Map (db m165971) HM
Byrd, a Naval Academy graduate, pioneered early technology that became the foundation for modern polar exploration and investigation. He also pioneered the technique of nighttime landings of seaplanes on the ocean. On May 9th, 1926 Byrd reached the . . . — — Map (db m165917) HM
One of America's most brilliant military strategists, Lee graduated from the U.S. Military Academy 2nd in his class, as the only cadet who never earned a single demerit. He commanded the Confederate Army and surrendered at Appomattox to end the . . . — — Map (db m165923) HM
This park was developed by the National Park Service, Interior Department, through the Civilian Conservation Corps, in conjunction with the Virginia Conservation Commission. It covers 3400 acres and was opened, June 15, 1936. Two miles west is . . . — — Map (db m24326) HM
Seaside Park Casino
A Legend Lost in the Passage of Time
Built in 1912 by the Norfolk and Western Railroad, the Seaside Park Casino became the draw to crowds of people to the Oceanfront. The complex filled up four city blocks and quickly . . . — — Map (db m165158) HM
Secretariat is the most famous thoroughbred in history. He won the Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby (track record, and the only horse ever to run each quarter faster than the previous), the Preakness (track record), and the Belmont (world record) . . . — — Map (db m165945) HM
The relationship between Moss, Norway and Virginia Beach had its beginnings when the Norwegian ship, Dictator, went down in a storm off Virginia Beach March 27th, 1891. A shipping line in Moss, Norway owned the Dictator. In 1974 the bond forged in . . . — — Map (db m115195) HM
This piece is a portion of the stern of a vessel shipwrecked off Cape Henry. It was uncovered in May 1983 following a severe storm. The ship, constructed of oak and fastened with copper, bronze, and oak treenails, is estimated to have been about . . . — — Map (db m165974) HM
Thomas J. Jackson served on the VMI faculty as Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy & Instructor of Artillery. His bravery and battle skills led Confederate troops to victory in ten major battles. At Manassas, greatly . . . — — Map (db m165953) 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 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 Beachs transformation from small town to major resort during the Roaring Twenties. The hotels luxurious accommodations attracted visitors from across the country, including several . . . — — Map (db m134226) 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
U.S. Life Saving Service
During the 41-year period between 1874 and 1915, the journal of the four United States Lifesaving Service Stations covering the 38-mile coastline of Virginia Beach reported a combined total of 185 shipwrecks, earning . . . — — Map (db m165181) HM
170 entries matched your criteria. The first 100 are listed above. The final 70 ⊳
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