Windmill Point Lighthouse, Chesapeake Bay, entrance to the Rappahannock River, Virginia
Screwpile style lighthouse.
WINDMILL POINT LIGHT
Lighthouse Name: Windmill Point Lighthouse
Location: Chesapeake Bay, North Side of entranced to Rappahannock River.
Station Established: 1834
Year Original Light First Lit: 1869
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1965
Operational? No
Automated? N/A
Deactivated: 1965
Foundation Materials: Current beacon uses original foundation
Construction Materials:
Tower Shape: Hexagonal screw-pile
Markings/Pattern: White Hexagonal screw-pile
Relationship to Other Structure: Integral
Original Lens: Fifth Order Fresnel
Historical Information:
- Between 1834 and 1869 three separate Lightships were stationed where the light was built. In 1861 Confederates took the Lightship.
- In 1869 a permanent lighthouse was built. The structure was a white Hexagonal screwpile with a fifth order lens.
- Harsh Chesapeake Bay winters took their toll on the lighthouse. Riprap stones were added to shore up the lighthouse.
- The light was automated in 1954.
- The structure was dismantled in 1965. A small automotive beacon was built on the original foundation.
The above was researched and drafted by Melissa Buckler, a Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Light House Society volunteer.