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Hog Island Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸Port Felix, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hog Island Lighthouse

A lighthouse was established on the north side of the Great Machipongo Inlet in 1852, with a replacement built in 1896. This later structure, a white light showing one flash every 4 seconds, had a focal height of 10.5 meters and a geographic range of 10.5 nautical miles. It was noted for its architectural similarity to the Cape Charles Light. Severe beach erosion led to its demolition in 1948, and the original site is now submerged. The lighthouse's historic Fresnel lens is preserved on the Portsmouth waterfront. A lightbuoy now marks the inlet.

Why it matters: The lighthouse was built to aid navigation into the Great Machipongo Inlet, a significant coastal passage.

Background
The Hog Island Light was a lighthouse roughly marking its eponymous island, and thus the north side of the Great Machipongo Inlet on the Virginia coast. Originally, no light existed between Cape Henlopen, Delaware and Cape Charles. In 1830 the United States Congress appropriated money for a coastal beacon in the general vicinity of Chincoteague Island. The following year, the Collector of Customs in Norfolk selected Assateague Island.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
10.5m
Geographic Range
10.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1896

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

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Canso(11.8 km)
USCG No.
2-6815
ARLHS No.
USA-374
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5876980 →

Tower & Structure

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.

Location

City
Port Felix
Country
🇺🇸Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
north side of Great Machipongo Inlet, Atlantic coast, Northampton County. The inlet is marked by a lightbuoy.
Latitude
45.2275°
Longitude
-61.2239°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hog Island Lighthouse at night?+
Hog Island displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hog Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hog Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Canso at 11.4 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Guysborough (15.6 NM NW), Arichat (19.4 NM NNE), Country Harbour (20.8 NM W), Stormont (21.6 NM W). 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.
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.