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Chesapeake Lighthouse

Fl W 4s🇺🇸Virginia, USInactive

Location & Light Range

About Chesapeake Lighthouse

Chesapeake Light stands offshore as a marker for the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Constructed in 1965, this structure is a "Texas Tower" type, distinguished by its tower height of 37 meters and a focal plane of 36 meters. Its light emitted a white flash pattern. The lighthouse was automated and also served as a platform for atmospheric measurement instruments used by NASA and NOAA. In 2016, the light was deactivated because of ongoing structural deterioration.

Why it matters: This lighthouse was the last remaining 'Texas Tower' in active service before its deactivation.

Background
Chesapeake Light is an offshore lighthouse marking the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. The structure was first marked with a lightship in the 1930s, and was later replaced by a "Texas Tower" in 1965. The lighthouse was eventually automated and was used for supporting atmospheric measurement sites for NASA and NOAA. Due to deteriorating structural conditions, the lighthouse was deactivated in 2016. At the time, it was the last remaining "Texas Tower" still in use due to obsolescence.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Focal Height
36m

Location

City
Virginia
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
36.9047°
Longitude
-75.7127°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
37m

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5092871 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Chesapeake Lighthouse at night?+
Chesapeake displays the characteristic Fl W 4s — 1 white flash every 4 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Chesapeake Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Chesapeake Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is VIRGINIA BEACH at 13.2 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Cape Henry (14.6 NM W), Lynnhaven Roads (17.8 NM W), Cape Charles (25.9 NM NNW), KINGS CREEK (26.7 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Chesapeake Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Chesapeake Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
What shipping routes pass near Chesapeake Lighthouse?+
Chesapeake Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Chesapeake Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Chesapeake Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.