Hog Island Lighthouse

Significant events: demolished in 1948 when it was threatened by beach erosion

Structure: Hog Island Lighthouse once stood proudly on the north side of Great Machipongo Inlet, along the Atlantic coast in Northampton County. The original structure, established in 1852, served mariners navigating the treacherous waters of the inlet. It was later replaced in 1896 by a more substantial lighthouse, known for being a structural sibling to the iconic Cape Charles Light. This second iteration guided ships for over five decades, providing a crucial navigational aid in a dynamic coastal environment. However, the relentless forces of nature eventually claimed the station. By 1948, severe beach erosion threatened the very foundation of the lighthouse, leading to its unfortunate demolition. Today, the original site of the Hog Island Lighthouse is submerged beneath the waves, a testament to the ever-changing coastline. While the physical structure is gone, its legacy endures, with its historic Fresnel lens now preserved and displayed on the Portsmouth waterfront, offering a tangible link to its past service. The inlet it once marked is now indicated by a modern lightbuoy, a silent successor to the grand tower that once stood guard.