BGuthrie Photos: VA -- Virginia Beach -- Cape Henry Memorial and Lighthouse

VA -- Virginia Beach -- Cape Henry Memorial and Lighthouse:

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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. CHENRY_150323_009.JPG: Welcome to Fort Story: Welcome to Fort Story, home to a variety of U.S. Army and Navy units. The installation's 1,451 acres are presently used for training by the Army's 7th Sustainment Brigade, Naval Amphibious forces and Special Operations forces. The post also serves as home for Army and Navy Reserve units in addition to other military activities. We hope you find your visit to Cape Henry both educational and inspirational. The Amphibians Arrive: In July 1946, the 425th Amphibious Truck Company was activated at Fort Story. The U.S. Army realigned the mission at Cape Henry from coastal artillery to the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. The DUKW amphibious vehicle, which had served well in World War II, was assigned to the company. Commonly called the "Duck," the vehicle was built on a two-and-a-half ton truck chassis and moved on land and water with no special preparations. The amphibious force quickly grew to battalion and command strength and assumed the main mission on the post. During the Ash Wednesday Storm in 1962, the DUKW vehicles were called upon to assist in the evacuation of residents in nearby Virginia Beach. The family of amphibious vehicles changed over time, with the workhorse DUKW being phased out in favor of the more modern second generation LARC (Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo) vehicles. The LARC V, LARC XV, and LARC LX were used to transfer cargo from vessels offshore to shore unloading points. The Army used the beaches and inland training areas at Fort Story in a series of Joint Logistics Over-The-Shore (JLOTS) exercises. The last LARC LX served until 2001 when it was phased out of the inventory. The Lighter, Amphibian, Air Cushion Vehicle (LACV-30) was the third generation of amphibious vehicles to replace the LARC family. It was designed to ride on a four foot cushion of air over the water and over land. A completely new modern facility, including a flyway into the water, was built on the western portion of the post to accommodate these vehicles. The LACV was a noisy and maintenance-intensive vehicle and the Army determined to retire the hovercraft from the inventory. The era of amphibious vehicles which had started at Cape Henry in 1946 had come to an end. This is an aerial view of an off-load exercise during JLOTS II in September and October 1984. At that time, it was the largest joint exercise ever held on these beaches. More than 3,000 military personnel from the Navy, active Army and Army Reserve components participated. The workhorse DUKW amphibious vehicle was assigned to Fort Story from 1946 until the early 1960s. The second generation family of amphibious vehicles that replaced the aging DUKW. From left to right are the LARC LX, the LARC XV and the LARC V. Despite the new vehicles and new nomenclature, the local civilian community continued to call all amphibious vehicles "Ducks."
2. CHENRY_150323_013.JPG: Welcome to Fort Story: Welcome to Fort Story, home to a variety of U.S. Army and Navy units. The installation's 1,451 acres are presently used for training by the Army's 7th Sustainment Brigade, Naval Amphibious forces and Special Operations forces. The post also serves as home for Army and Navy Reserve units in addition to other military activities. We hope you find your visit to Cape Henry both educational and inspirational. The Emerging Community The combination of lighthouses, life-saving stations and the Virginia pilots have guided and assisted many a mariner from the earliest days as they enter and exit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. They were joined at Cape Henry by a station of the Weather Service and in 1890, the Cape Henry Park and Land Company was chartered to acquire Cape Henry for development and timber interests. The area was commonly referred to as 'the desert." A small community to support these federal activities began to evolve, but the only access was down the beach at low tide. Life was made easier by the establishment of a rail line to both Virginia Beach and Norfolk in 1902. A number fo residences were built in addition to the Seabreeze Hotel, stores and a post office. O'Keefe's Tavern opened in the area presently occupied by the Cape Henry cross and drew large crowds. There were two communities that were established at Cape Henry before the arrival of the U.S. Army. The first, centered around the Hygeia Hotel with a number of substantial buildings, was located to the seaward of the present day post headquarters. The second was northwest of the lighthouses adjacent to the original 300 plus acres at Fort Story. The Cape Henry Syndicate had platted out this land and laid out numbered streets. A number of small summer homes were built in addition to St. Theresa's Chapel. The men living at Cape Henry full-time were generally employed as farmers, fishermen or in the retail trade. The government employees served at the lighthouse, Weather Station, or Life-Saving Station. Their families lived in a number of wooden buildings surrounding those operations. During the Great Depression, the government sent men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to build roads, trails and cabins in the adjacent Seashore State Park. Some of the men lived in the barracks at Fort Story. With the emerging threat of war in Europe, the Army expanded its ownership of land at Cape Henry. Through condemnation and land sales, the government took over the civilian community. The Coast Guard Station relocated to Little Creek, and the military assumed control of a number of civilian buildings. Today, only a handful of wooden structures remain to tell the story of life at Cape Henry.
3. CHENRY_150323_019.JPG: Welcome to Fort Story: Welcome to Fort Story, home to a variety of U.S. Army and Navy units. The installation's 1,451 acres are presently used for training by the Army's 7th Sustainment Brigade, Naval Amphibious forces and Special Operations forces. The post also serves as home for Army and Navy Reserve units in addition to other military activities. We hope you find your visit to Cape Henry both educational and inspirational. The Guns of Fort Story "We should put up a gigantic fortress right here between these capes," uttered President William Howard Taft in November 1909 at Cape Henry, Virginia. Taft, speaking to the convention of the Atlantic Deeper Waterways Association, had just consumed an enormous amount of Lynnhaven oysters at O'Keefe's Casino. He might have been referring to the middle of the bay entrance, but in any case, a few years later Fort Story was born. In 1914, land for a new military installation was aquired by condemnation and in 1916 the 300 plus acres were named in honor of Major General John Patten Story, USMA, 1865. With the outbreak of World War I there was a need to establish defenses at Cape Henry. Fr. Monroe sent two artillery companies and four 5-inch and 6-inch guns were mounted as armament. Following World War I, the guns were dismounted. The construction of permanent armament began in the summer of 1921 with the building of emplacement for four 16-inch howitzers. Two years later the battery was complete. With a small garrison, the howitzers and a mine battery were maintained in a caretaker status. Railway artillery from Fort Eustis came to Cape Henry for use in service practice. In 1940, with the threat of war looming in Europe, the planning for coastal defense modernization increased. Additional land was acquired, and both construction and troop strength were increased. Initially, mobile 155-mm guns were placed in the dunes. They were replaced by more modern 6-inch guns. Smaller caliber weapons supported the underater minefiled which was laid across the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. The primary armament at Cape Henry, however, was a pair of 16-inch gun batteries capable of engaging targets at a long distance. With the victory in Europe in May 1945, the alert status of the existing gun batteries was reduced. The modernization of the armament was nearing completion, but there was an uncertainty as to the immediate future of the entire defensive system. It would not be until 1948 that some of the 6-inch guns fired their final service practice. In the following year, orders declared the guns surplus and ready to be cut up for scrap. The defensive mission for the Army at Fort Story was not complete. In 1957, the Army Anti-aircraft Command located a Nike missile battery at Fort Story to counter the Soviet manned bomber threat. The missiles wer never fired an the missile mission ceased in 1974.
4. CHENRY_150323_026.JPG: Welcome to Fort Story: Welcome to Fort Story, home to a variety of U.S. Army and Navy units. The installation's 1,451 acres are presently used for training by the Army's 7th Sustainment Brigade, Naval Amphibious forces and Special Operations forces. The post also serves as home for Army and Navy Reserve units in addition to other military activities. We hope you find your visit to Cape Henry both educational and inspirational. Fort Story Rises from the Dunes The U.S. Army arrived at Cape Henry in 1916 and broke ground for a military installation. The initial mission was to provide a site for coastal defenses at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. Soldiers and small artillery guns were stationed at Cape Henry. The installation was named for the the former Army Chief of Artillery, Major General John Patten Story. in the period between World War I and World War II, the post went to a caretaker status, but the buildup of armament continued with the emplacement of 16-inch howitzers. By 1940, the need for additional weapons was recognized and modern weapons were located at Fort Story. The 246th Coast Artillery of the Virginia National Guard was activated and served throughout the war, manning the variety of coastal artillery including 6-inch to 16-inch guns. A minefield was also put in place across the entrance to the bay. Following that conflict, the guns fell silent and were later removed from the post. They were replaced by companies of the Army Transportation Corps with the DUKW amphibious vehicle. This first generation amphibian was later replaced by newer ones which operated and trained at Fort Story. A number of these amphibian units trained and deployed to Vietnam. To counter the manned Soviet bomber threat, the Army established a surface to air missile system around many American cities. One battery of the Nike missile system was placed at Fort Story and remained there until 1974. Logistics-Over-The-Shore (LOTS) exercises continue to use the beaches and waters off Cape Henry to test the ability to provide ship to shore and inland movement of supplies and equipment. The 11th Transportation Battalion provided support during the Gulf War in 1991, and more frequently in Operation Iraqi Freedom to assist world-wide transportation requirements. The addition of Special Operations training will effectively utilize the available training areas and complement the LOTS and port operations missions.
5. CHENRY_150323_032.JPG: Welcome to Fort Story: Welcome to Fort Story, home to a variety of U.S. Army and Navy units. The installation's 1,451 acres are presently used for training by the Army's 7th Sustainment Brigade, Naval Amphibious forces and Special Operations forces. The post also serves as home for Army and Navy Reserve units in addition to other military activities. We hope you find your visit to Cape Henry both educational and inspirational. Defending the Chesapeake Bay At its mouth, the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay spans some 17 miles from Cape Henry to Cape Charles. This waterway provides access to the important ports of Baltimore and Hampton Roads. Over the years there has been a need to defend the coast and waterways of Virginia. It started with the first English settlers. The first defenses stem from the construction of a fort at Jamestown by the English in 1607. Later, anotyher fortification was built at Point Comfort. Much later, the Revolutionary War brought about a revival in coastal defense. Fort Nelson was built on the Elizabeth River near Portsmouth. A fort was also built on the Norfolk side to protect the inner harbors. While the siege of Yorktown was underway, Admiral deGrasse of the French fleet took up a position at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay and prevented the British fleet from relieving Lord Cornwallis. Again, against an exposed American coast, a British fleet entered the unprotected mouth of Hampton Roads in 1813. In the following year, another British fleet sailed up the Chesapeake Bay and landed the army behind Washington. After its departure, the United States started formidable construction. By 1823, Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort was compete, and work started on the foundation of the adjacent Fort Calhoun in the harbor. Following the Civil War, the defenses of the Chesapeake Bay were nonexistent until the 1880s. when more modern artillery was emplaced at Fort Monroe. With the outbreak of World War I, the area harbor defenses expanded and it was determined to project the firepower seaward to the Virginia Capes. Small caliber guns were posteed at both Cape Henry and Cape Charles. Even with taht, the widthe of the entrance made effective defense impossible. After the war, the artillery garrisons were demobilized, but development of coastal artillery continued. With the advent of World War II, modern coast artillery was emplaced on post with guns ranging from 6-inch to the big 16-inch gunes. With the new weapons and aminefiled across the bay, the Chesapeake Bay was effectively protected from an enemy. in 1942, a German submarine challenged the defense but never gained entrance.
6. CHENRY_150323_038.JPG: A World War I recruiting poster for the Coast Artillery Corps. The Coast Artillery largely served in fixed fortifications at most of the continental harbors and also picked up the mission of aircraft artillery.
7. CHENRY_150323_041.JPG: Welcome to Fort Story: Welcome to Fort Story, home to a variety of U.S. Army and Navy units. The installation's 1,451 acres are presently used for training by the Army's 7th Sustainment Brigade, Naval Amphibious forces and Special Operations forces. The post also serves as home for Army and Navy Reserve units in addition to other military activities. We hope you find your visit to Cape Henry both educational and inspirational. Into the 21st Century The entrance to the Chesapeake Bay at Cape Henry provides realistic and challenging training conditions across a broad spectrum of vital joint conventional and unconventional war-fighting skills. As the Army's primary Joint Logistics-Over-The-Shore (JLOTS) training site, Cape Henry offers variable tides and currents in both the bay and the ocean. It also offers broad beaches, dunes and coastal inland areas for training all of the military services. The quality of life for Fort Story families continues to be upgraded. Through renovation and construction, the residential communities initiative has resulted in a total of 250 homes for officer and enlisted military personnel. The Cape Henry Inn and Beach Club is an Armed Forces Recreation Center facility providing year-round accommodations for military personnel. In 2007, both Fort Story and the adjacent First Landing State Park hosted a number of successful events in conjunction with the 400th anniversary of the landing of the English colonists at Cape Henry. The main Army unit on post is the 11th Transportation Battalion assigned to the 7th Sustainment Brigade at Fort Eustis. The battalion conducts cargo transfer operations to include air, sea, rail and highway terminal. It can also conduct multi-modal transportation operations to include JLOTS operations. The battalion and assigned companies have recently supported Operation Iraqi Freedom. Both Army and Navy reserve units also train at Fort Story. After 30 years at Cape Henry, the U.S. Marine Corps relocated its basic reconnaissance course and replaced it with the USMC Training and Advisory Group to provide support for the Global War on Terrorism. The U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training and Evaluation Unit 2 conducts training and evaluation for the Navy EOD forces. SEALs from Naval Special Warfare Group 2 use the beaches and waters off Cape Henry for training. The close quarter combat training range on post also supports SEAL training. In the future, Fort Story will continue to protect the environment and provide training areas for both conventional and special operation forces. HHD, 11th Transportation Battalion Soldiers of Task Force 11 perform pre-combat checks in preparation for convoy operations in Camp Adder near Talil, Iraq. U.S. Army Humvee on patrol in Iraq in 2007. A Navy diver makes a splash as he enters the water to oversee MK-16 MOD 1 dive training being held at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2 at Fort Story. Ongoing training such as this is essential to the U.S. Navy. Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Units 2, 4, 6, and 8, as well as Naval Coastal Warfare's Maritime Interdiction Teams, take part in a helicopter rope suspension training/cast master certification course. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) fast-rope exercises are a part of EODTEU 2 training curriculum.
8. CHENRY_150323_062.JPG: National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark: Old Cape Henry Lighthouse The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first construction project authorized by the First Congress. Constructed by John McComb, Jr. of New York City, this project set the stage for all subsequent public works projects of the Federal Government. In addition, this specific lighthouse was a vital navigation aid to all shipping through the Virginia Capes, thereby enhancing international and coastal trade with the Mid-Atlantic States. Completed 1792 Designated 2002
9. CHENRY_150323_065.JPG: When Alexander Hamilton signed the contract to have the Cape Henry Lighthouse built in 1791, the plans included a separate vault for oil storage.
10. CHENRY_150323_073.JPG: Originally the sand dune reached all the way to the door of the lighthouse, the limestone base was never meant to be exposed.
11. CHENRY_150323_076.JPG: In order to reduce the chance of fire, highly flammable lantern fuel was always stored in a separate building away from the lighthouse until just before it was needed.
12. CHENRY_150323_079.JPG: The official light keeper's manual notes that at light stations, "Every precaution must be taken against fire. Fire buckets must be kept filled with water and ready for use in a fixed place."
13. CHENRY_150323_082.JPG: First Public Works Project of the United States Government Construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse was authorized by the First United States Congress on August 7, 1789. President George Washington personally reviewed bids in January, 1791 and chose John McCombs, a New York Bricklayer, as contractor. Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, and the contractor signed the contract on March 31, 1791. Construction on the $17,700 project started August 1, 1791. The lighthouse began its 100 years of service in the fall of 1792. Commemorated this 28th day of August, 1981 by the Public Works Historical Society and Virginia-D.C.-Maryland Chapter American Public Works Association
14. CHENRY_150323_091.JPG: Old Cape Henry Lighthouse First lighthouse authorized by the first United States Congress. Erected in 1791, it lighted the entrance into Chesapeake Bay until 1881. Owned by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, as deeded in 1930 by the Congress of the United States.
15. CHENRY_150323_094.JPG: History of Cape Henry Lighthouse: Governor Alexander Spotswood first proposed building a lighthouse at Cape Henry in a message to the Virginia House of Burgesses on November 24, 1720. He suggested the province of Maryland should help pay part of the construction costs for the next thirty-two years. Various sessions of the House of Burgesses proposed building a lighthouse at Cape Henry with the assistance of Maryland but nothing was done. Finally, in 1752, the General Assembly passed an act to construct the lighthouse using revenues from an export tax on tobacco to pay for it. In 1759, the British government disallowed the law, claiming the tax would infringe on the tobacco trade. In 1772, another act was passed and 6,000 pounds were appropriated for building the lighthouse. Construction began before the British could object but the American Revolution stopped further progress. During the war, a lookout station and signal fires were maintained to warn of the approach of enemy ships. In 1789, the First Congress of the United States at their first session enacted a law to establish a lighthouse on Cape Henry near the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. President George Washington approved the law on August 7 1789. The lighthouse was the first Federal building authorized by the United States government under the Constitution. Two acres of land on Cape Henry were ceded by the State of Virginia to the Federal government and a contract was concluded to erect and equip the lighthouse. The contract had serious problems transporting the sandstone used in the construction of the ninety foot tower. However, the stone has a special significance since it came from the same Aqua Virginia quarries that provided stone for Mount Vernon, the U.S. Capitol, and the White House. In 1791, the lighthouse was completed at the cost of $917,600. Whale oil (later kerosene) was burned for illumination first in an iron lanthorn [sic], then in Argand lamps with metal reflectors. In 1861, the light was damaged by Civil War fighting. The first lightship was put into service between Cape Henry and Cape Charles in 1861. It continued until 1868, when the lighthouse was repaired and service was restored. The light continued to shine until 1881 when it was replaced by the modern lighthouse nearby which is still in use today.
16. CHENRY_150323_108.JPG: Near this spot landed April 26, 1607 Captain Gabriel Archer Christopher Newport Hon. George S. Percy Bartholomew Gobfold Edward Maria Vincefeld With twenty-five others who calling the place "Cape Henry" planted a cross April 29, 1607 "Dei Gratia Virginia Condita" This tablet is erected by the Association for Preservation of Virginia Antiquities April 29, 1896
17. CHENRY_150323_123.JPG: Welcome to the 1st lighthouse built by the United States of America
18. CHENRY_150323_133.JPG: In 1792 the lighthouse stood over 500 yards from the shore. Today, that distance is approximately 250 yards.
19. CHENRY_150323_135.JPG: The lighthouse weighs approximately 6,000 TONS!
20. CHENRY_150323_137.JPG: The walls are thicker at the bottom than they are at the top
21. CHENRY_150323_140.JPG: The lighthouse has eight sides (helps make it strong enough to withstand the elements).
22. CHENRY_150323_143.JPG: The spiral staircase replaced a wooden one in 1867
23. CHENRY_150323_146.JPG: The lighthouse was operational from 1792 until 1881
24. CHENRY_150323_175.JPG: This is the only visible part of the original wall (do not touch)
25. CHENRY_150323_249.JPG: When lit, the beacon could be seen 15 miles away!
26. CHENRY_150323_277.JPG: Battle of the Capes, 1781: In September 1781, a naval engagement between two powerful fleets denied British forces access to the Chesapeake Bay and trapped Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. This little known battle helped end British domination in America. What led to this dramatic turn of events? After six years of war, the colonies seemed far from independence. The young nation was almost bankrupt and the army seemed to be disintegrating. A decisive victory was essential to survival. General Washington, camped outside of New York City, knew that only by the cooperative efforts of his small force of Continental Soldiers and the French Army (commanded by General Rochambeau), together with the French Navy (commanded by Admiral De Grasse) would any chance of victory be possible. On July 28, De Grasse, who was in the West Indies, informed Washington that his fleet would sail for the Chesapeake Bay. Washington moved his army south in hopes of capturing Cornwallis, who was fortifying Yorktown. The possibility of victory hinged on the arrival of De Grasse and his ability to maintain French naval supremacy in the Chesapeake Bay. On August 30, the French fleet, consisting of 24 ships of the line, sailed passed Cape Henry into the Bay, bringing reinforcements and supplies to the American forces near Yorktown. The British fleet of 19 ships, under Admiral Graves sailed from New York on September 1, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. By September 5, at 9:30am, the French were sighted within the Bay. The approaching British fleet had the advantage of wind and tide, while the French fleet had not yet formed its line of battle. Graves, however, chose to follow the Royal Navy's fighting instructions and did not disrupt the French fleet's emerging battle light. For six and one-half hours, the fleets maneuvered for position. The French fleet gradually moved out past Cape Henry into the Atlantic. Finally, at 4:15pm, the leading ships opened fire. An indecisive but vigorous cannonade continued until 6:30pm. The forward British ships were heavily engaged and suffered losses in masts and rigging. The British and French fleets continued to sail on parallel course for four days. On the evening of September 9, the French fleet slipped away and headed back to the Chesapeake Bay where it was joined by an additional French squadron which had arrived from Rhode Island. Graves decided his ships were too badly damaged to continue fighting. On September 13, he made the fateful decision to return to New York for repairs. This action in which no Americans participated, and in which few men or ships were lost, gave America the opportunity it needed for independence. On October 19, 1781, Cornwallis was forced to surrender his army to Washington. Thus the English rule which had begun at Jamestown in 1607 was effectively ended at Yorktown in 1781. And Cape Henry, strategically located, played a role in the history of these two events.
27. CHENRY_150323_283.JPG: Gateway to the Chesapeake Bay: Cape Henry Memorial is part of Colonial National Historic Park. This park encompasses two other significant areas: Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English settlement in 1607, and Yorktown, the last decisive battle in the American Revolution in 1781. In order to fully comprehend the total story of the park, plan to visit these other historic sites. Yorktown is approximately one hour away in driving time from Cape Henry. You may then proceeded on the Colonial Parkway, a 23-mile scenic drive, to reach Jamestown. Cape Henry Memorial is administered by the National Park Service, US Department of the Interior.
28. CHENRY_150323_286.JPG: Cape Henry Memorial Cross: On April 26, 1607 three small ships approached the Chesapeake Bay from the southeast and made their landfall at Cape Henry, the southernmost promontory of that body of water. The Virginia Company expedition had set sail from England in December, 1606. Released from their four month confinement, the colonists, led by the Reverend Robert Hunt, gave thanks to God for their safe voyage. Before them lay the vast American wilderness known as Virginia. Captain Christopher Newport, the commander of the expedition, went ashore with a party of thirty to explore the new land filled with "faire meddowes," "Fresh-waters," and "goodly tall Trees." Near the end of the day, an encounter with Indians left two of the party wounded. The next day, a second party was put ashore to "recreate themselves" and to assemble a small boat (shallop). This "shallop" was launched and used to explore the lower reaches of the Chesapeake Bay. On April 29, the colonists, possibly using English oak already fashioned for the purpose, "set up a Crosse at Chesupioc Bay, and named that place Cape Henry" for Henry, Prince of Wales, oldest son of King James I. They were then ready to follow their instructions to push deeper into Virginia to seek a site suitable for settlement. Early on April 30, they moved to a new anchorage at a place named "Cape Comfort" (Old Point Comfort); shortly thereafter they entered the James River. After two weeks of searching along both sides of the river, they established a permanent settlement at Jamestown on May 13, 1607. This memorial cross, erected in 1935 by the Daughters of the American Colonists, serves as a reminder of that original oak cross planted by a group of Englishmen in search of gold, adventure, and natural resources. But more importantly, Cape Henry marks the beginning in a continuing chain of events which saw the shaping of American culture by English institutions and customs.
29. CHENRY_150323_296.JPG: Fran�ois Joseph Paul de Grasse -- Cape Henry Memorial, Colonial National Historical Park -- This statue, a gift from France is placed here, overlooking the waters where Admiral Comte de Grasse successfully engaged the British Fleet on September 5, 1781. The "Battle of the Capes" prevented crucial reinforcements from reaching Cornwallis, thus hastening his surrender. Dedicated in grateful remembrance of the decisive contribution of Admiral de Grasse to the winning of the American independence. October 17, 1976
30. CHENRY_150323_321.JPG: Battle of the Capes On the morning of September 5, 1781, a line of 19 British warships appeared off this cape, headed for Chesapeake Bay. Surprised at anchor in the mouth of the bay, the crews of 24 French warships scrambled out to challenge them. Both fleets sailed southward together in parallel "lines of battle," passing out of view of the cape. Then the cannonade began. For two hours, their broadsides could be heard on shore. By nightfall, the shore was quiet again; the two fleets had dueled to a stand-off. The French blockade of the Chesapeake had held, and the British troops of General Charles Cornwallis were denied supplies and reinforcements at Yorktown. On October 19, 1781, General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington, assuring America victory in the Revolutionary War. "If the enemy remain only a few Weeks superior at sea, our insular and detached situation will become very critical." -- Sir Henry Clinton, Commander in chief of British forces in North America, September, June 9, 1781. Admiral Comte de Grasse sails north in aid of the Americans at Yorktown with cash, ground troops, and the entire fleet off the French West Indies. Rear Admiral Charles Graves passed up chances to attack the French at anchor and waited for both fleets to get into position before beginning the battle. "A Line of Battle:" November 5, 1781 9:30 a.m. The British lookout ship Solebay sites the French at anchor at the mouth of the Chesapeake. 11:00 a.m. The French identify the British. 12:00 noon. With 1,900 sailors still unloading troops and supplies on the James River, the French put to sea short-handed. 2:00 p.m. As the British approach the shoals of the Middle Ground, Admiral Graves orders the fleet to turn in unison, maintaining a line of battle parallel to the British. 2:30 p.m. From mid-formation Graves signals for the front of his line to angle towards the French. 4:03 p.m. Graves signals attack, and veers his flagship London toward the French. 4:15 p.m. The leading ships of both fleets open fire. 4:15 to 6:30 p. m. Before the British can bring their cannon to bear, French seaman gunners fire diagonally into their masts and rigging. The French Diademe, fourth in line nearly succeeds in boarding the British Princess but is repelled. The captain of the French Reflechi, fifth in line, dies in a broadside. The British Terrible is damaged beyond repair. 6:30 p.m. With the rear squadrons still too far apart to exchange fire, the cannonade ends. September 6-9, 1781 The fleets feint southward without further battle. French Admiral de Grasse slips from the British and heads back north to the Chesapeake. September 13, 1781 The British fleet returns to the Chesapeake to find it blocked by the French. Admiral Graves orders a return to New York.
31. CHENRY_150323_327.JPG: Admiral Comte de Grasse sails north in aid of the Americans at Yorktown with cash, ground troops, and the entire fleet off the French West Indies. Rear Admiral Charles Graves passed up chances to attack the French at anchor and waited for both fleets to get into position before beginning the battle.
32. CHENRY_150323_349.JPG: "... I wish it was in my power to express to Congress how much I feel myself indebted to the Count deGrasse and his fleet." -- G. Washington, Oct. 19, 1781 "... I consider myself infinitely happy to have been of some service to the United States... reserve me a place in your memory." -- deGrasse, Nov. 3, 1781
33. CHENRY_150323_360.JPG: Dedicated Sept. 5, 1981
34. CHENRY_150323_368.JPG: Here at Cape Henry first landed in America, upon 26 April 1607, those English colonists who, upon 13 May 1607, established at Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in America. Erected by National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, April 26, 1935
Wikipedia Description: Cape Henry Light
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cape Henry Lighthouse is located at Cape Henry, a cape on the Atlantic shore of Virginia. Cape Henry is the southern boundary of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay, and is one of the Virginia Capes (along with Cape Charles).

The Cape Henry Lighthouse has long been important for the large amount of ocean-going shipping traffic for the harbors, its rivers, and shipping headed to ports on the Chesapeake Bay. It was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, dating from 1792. It was also the first federal construction project under the Constitution, for an original contract amount of $15,200 (an additional $2,500 was required to finish the lighthouse). See also the "Boston Light" article for more on lighthouse firsts.

A newer structure stands nearby, so there are actually two lighthouses at Cape Henry. The older lighthouse was acquired in 1930 by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (Now APVA Preservation Virginia). A brick lining and an iron stairway have been added to the interior. The lighthouse is open to the public and a fine view can be enjoyed from its observation platform. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 29, 1964. In 2002 the American Society of Civil Engineers designated the lighthouse a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

The lighthouses are located in the city of Virginia Beach within the boundaries of Fort Story, an Army base. The Cape Henry Memorial is adjacent to the lighthouses.

The Cape Henry Lighthouse's were backdrops for a scene in the 2001 movie "Hearts in Atlantis", based on the 1999 Stephen King novel. Cast stars included Anthony Hopkins, Anton Yelchin, and Hope Davis.
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