The Red Star Marks the Spot
The current Cape Charles lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in the United States. The tower consists of a central iron tube surrounded by eight massive legs. A spiral staircase with 216 treads, enclosed in the tube, leads upwards to the generator room. Ascending seventeen more steps from there one arrives at the watch room, where the lower gallery may be accessed. The tower is painted white, while the upper rooms are a contrasting black.
In 1963, the Fresnel lens was removed and the light was automated. The replacement light, a Vega Rotating Beacon, emits a white flash every five seconds, and is capable of casting its light up to twenty miles out to sea.
Visiting the Cape Charles Lighthouse today is an undertaking that only a truly adventurous and seafaring soul should attempt. One needs to be aware of the tides and familiar with the shifting sandbars. An old pair of shoes or hip waders are recommended while on the island, as one will likely encounter the same marshy conditions that plagued the keepers. This trip is perhaps best left for the Coast Guard, for even their landings on Smith Island** are a trial and error mission.
** Named after Captain John Smith
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The lookout towers nearby were part of seacoast harbor defense called Fort John Custis. This fort was built to compliment Fort Story in Virginia Beach in order to protect the vast entrance of the Chesapeake Bay (12 to 15 miles wide) against enemy vessels.
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4 comments:
Cool looking lighthouse!!
Love the lighthouse. Hey, I know a former Coast Guardsman. :)
its a little known fact that Shaggy is actually shouting "Scuba Dude! Where are you!"
LMAO (he is?)
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