Cape Henry Lighthouse

Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. The Lighthouse is situated near the “First Landing” site where English settlers first set foot on their way to settle in Jamestown. Built with the same Aquia sandstone as much of Washington, D.C, the lighthouse guided sea travelers to safety for almost 100 years. The distinctive black and white striped “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881 but remains closed to the public. Preservation Virginia members placed a tablet on the tower in 1896 to mark the site of the “First Landing” and in 1930 an act of Congress deeded the Lighthouse and surrounding land to our care.

Cape Henry Lighthouse is surrounded by the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story (JEBFS). Due to the high security of JEBFS, all visitors aged 18 or older without base access must complete and submit SECNAV Form 5512 and purchase a timed ticket to gain access to the base. Please review the guidelines below before your visit.

BASE ACCESS REQUIREMENTS:

Background check requirement:
- All visitors 18 years of age or older MUST complete and submit SECNAV Form 5512, Base Fort Story security form, accessed via a secure link upon ticket purchase confirmation. The link will redirect you to a secure page managed solely by the JEBFS.
- Personally Identifiable Information is required to perform mandatory background checks and identity verification before base access is approved. Information that will be REQUIRED in the security application form include, but is not limited to, social security numbers, driver’s license or passport numbers, date of birth, email addresses, home phone numbers, home addresses, and other identifying information. None of this information is stored on the Preservation Virginia nor Fare Harbor ticketing website.
- Form 5512 must be filled out no more than 30 days but at least 5 days in advance of the ticket reservation date.
- JEBFS will alert Preservation Virginia if you have been denied access to the base. Those who do not pass the security requirements will receive a refund for the entire party’s reservation.
- Per JEBFS policy, foreign nationals that do not have US Department of War security passes are not allowed on base and are therefore restricted from visiting the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse.

ID Requirement:
In addition to a passed background check, a valid REAL ID or passport for all visitors over the age of 18 is required for entry.

Parking and Shuttle Arrangement:
Visitors must park and ride a shuttle from the base gate to the lighthouse. Driver of vehicle must show their timed ticket reservation and be able to produce valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Shuttles run in accordance with the timed ticketing schedule. Your timed ticket must be presented to board the shuttle. Visitors can access the base as a pedestrian or on bicycle with a valid REAL ID or Passport and upon the submission and passing of SECNAV Form 5512. However, visits to the lighthouse are limited to the availability of open spaces in the timed ticketing schedule. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Military ID, DoW card, CAC or base pass holders:
Only visitors with an authorized Military ID, DoW card, CAC, or base pass are permitted to drive directly to Cape Henry Lighthouse. The ID, card and pass holders listed are exempt from completing the background check form.

Please note: During the summer months, the temperature at the top of the tower can reach extreme levels. Cape Henry Lighthouse will close the tower when the heat index inside reaches 115°. We also close the tower during thunderstorms and when lightning has been spotted. Winter weather advisories also may affect the opening of the tower.

Questions? Call 757-422-9421 or email us at [email protected].