Anytime I can view a lighthouse I am willing to make the drive. A lonely silent structure Smith Point Lighthouse is located at the southernmost tip of the Virginia Peninsula. This friendless landmark is at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean.
The need for a lighthouse at Smith Point was recognized due to the treacherous waters and shifting sandbars in the area. The first Smith Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1802. It consisted of a wooden tower topped with an iron lantern. The original lighthouse suffered from structural issues, prompting its replacement in 1831 with a new tower made of sandstone. This second lighthouse, like its predecessor, faced significant deterioration due to weather and erosion. Current Tower: In 1857, the current Smith Point Lighthouse was built to replace the deteriorating sandstone tower. Designed by a renowned engineer, Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Behner, the new tower featured a conical shape made of cast iron plates. It stands at a height of 52 feet (15.8 meters). In 2005, the lighthouse was relocated about 300 feet (91 meters) inland to protect it from erosion and preserve its historical significance. At present day she continues to serve as an active aid to navigation, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. It guides vessels entering the Chesapeake Bay and helps ensure safe passage through the region. The lighthouse is not open for public access.
