The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was constructed in 1791. It was the first lighthouse in the US to be authorized, completed, and established by the first United States Congress. The location of the structure was chosen close to where the first English colonists landed in Virginia in 1607. The light cost a little over $15,000 to build. In 1857, the interior of the tower was lined with brick, and new cast iron stairs were added.
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In 1862, the Confederate Army removed the 1st order Fresnel lens and destroyed the lantern. The light was repaired the following year by the advancing Union Army from Fort Monroe. The light was extinguished in 1881, due to the structure being unstable. The New Cape Henry Light was completed the same year, and took over the navigational function of the original. The old tower served as a daymark for many decades after.
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