The Assateague Lighthouse
Serving as a beacon to ships for almost 140 years
The Assateague Lighthouse is a 142 foot high brick tower located on the Virginia portion of Assateague Island, at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Its base measures 27 feet in diameter and at the top is about 15 feet. An internal spiral staircase leads all the way up to the top of the lighthouse.
The Assateague Lighthouse
In 1859 the United States Congress sets apart funds to erect the lighthouse. Construction was halted during the Civil War but resumed in 1866, and continued until completion on October 1, 1867. The tower was repainted in 1969 with white and red bands, giving the lighthouse a unique appearance. The National Wildlife Refuge System where the lighthouse is located reached its 100th Anniversary in 2003. The Assateague Lighthouse is registered in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Assateague Lighthouse is still an active navigational aid and has warned passing ships and local waterman of the shallow waters for many years. It has twin rotating lights that flash from a height of 154 feet above sea level. Its light pattern consist of a double flash every five seconds and can be seen 19 miles out to sea. In 1933 the lighthouse was converted to be electrically operated. The original 12-foot Fresnel lens is displayed in the Chincoteague Oyster and Maritime Museum.
Within a short walking distance you can found small ponds, but there is no water view in the vicinity of the lighthouse. You might also consider the Assateague cruse that goes by giving an excellent view of the lighthouse. While you are there, you might want to spend some time in the beautiful The National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, the home of wild ponies. It is a great place for hiking, bird watching, or trout fishing. If you are a photographer, you have the opportunity to take some really beautiful shots.
If you would like to visit the lighthouse you must drive through the quaint town of Chincoteague and proceed to Assateague Island. Take Route 175 east to the town of Chincoteague. On Main Street turn left, then make a right on Maddox Blvd. This will take you to the Refuge with the light through some really beautiful marshlands that are wide and open. The lighthouse is close to the main entrance of the refuge. There is a designated area where you must park your car. Walking on a short trail through a wooden area you can reach the lighthouse where you can climb the tower for a great view of Chincoteague Island. Although ocean lovers might be disappointed, nature lovers will love the wild life and nature refuge and the majesty of the Assateague Lighthouse. It is truly an incredible place to visit!
