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Hog Island Lighthouse

🇺🇸Portsmouth, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hog Island Lighthouse

Also known as: lens

The Hog Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1896, sharing its design with the Cape Charles Light. It was situated on the north side of Great Machipongo Inlet, serving as a guide for maritime traffic entering the passage. Coastal erosion posed a significant threat to the structure, leading to its demolition in 1948. The original site is now submerged underwater. The lighthouse's historic Fresnel lens, however, has been preserved and is displayed on the Portsmouth waterfront.

Why it matters: The lighthouse was essential for navigating the Great Machipongo Inlet, warning mariners of shoals and ensuring safer passage for coastal shipping. Its construction mirrors that of the Cape Charles Light, indicating a specific regional building trend.

Construction & History

Year Built
1896

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Portsmouth(0.6 km)

Location

City
Portsmouth
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Virginia
Latitude
36.8347°
Longitude
-76.2962°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Hog Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hog Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Norfolk at 4.5 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Hampton Roads (8.1 NM NNW), Hampton Roads Pt (8.3 NM NNW), Newport News (10.9 NM NW), Lynnhaven Roads (11 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hog Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hog Island Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Hog Island Lighthouse?+
Hog Island 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 Hog Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hog Island 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.