The importance of the Chesapeake Bay was easily recognized by the earliest settlers in America. Shipping traffic in and out of the bay, quickly followed Maryland and Virginia's population growth. One of the first federal projects cleared the way for a navigation beacon at the headlands of Cape Henry, marking the southern tip of the bay entrance. The Cape Henry Lighthouse, an octagonal shaped tower, was finally lit in 1792.
     As with any masonry structure with a foundation laid on the sea-side sand, inevitably cracks developed. Soon, concerns were raised and a replacement tower was proposed. The 165 foot beacon was to be made up of large iron plates. In 1881, the colonial era lighthouse was replaced. The new light dons a one-of-a-kind checkerboard paint job, a unique daylight navigational marker. The New Cape Henry Lighthouse stands just 100 yards from the old tower and has been automated, and modernized with the latest navigational equipment. The Old Cape Henry Light, a National Historic Landmark, is maintained by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities and is open to the public.