Assateague Island Lighthouse
The lighthouse is a colorful symbol of this small Virginia Island's history. It stands in Chincoteague National Wildlife refuge, warning ships of treacherous shoals that lie off shore.
The original 45-foot-high lighthouse was ineffective during its 25-year tenure due to poor construction and dim lighting. It was eventually rebuilt in 1887. The present brick lighthouse rests on a stone foundation 22 feet above sea level. Painted with distinct red and white bands, the tower stands 145 feet high. The focal plane of the light shines 154 feet above sea level.
The original tower used a candle lantern, but a rotation beacon was installed in 1963 when electricity became available on the island. With its bright beams of light flashing every five seconds, the lighthouse is still used as an active navigational aid operated by the Coast Guard, and as a weather monitor by NASA.
Assateague Island VA