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Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse

Fl R 10s🇺🇸Virginia, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse

This lighthouse was constructed in 1891 and first illuminated that same year. The tower stands 21 meters tall, with its light positioned 16 meters above sea level. It emits a single red light. The structure is located in Hampton Roads, near the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel on Interstate 664. It operates as a caisson lighthouse.

Why it matters: This structure is the oldest caisson lighthouse in Virginia and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Newport News Middle Ground Light is a lighthouse near the Monitor–Merrimac Memorial Bridge–Tunnel (MMMBT) on Interstate 664 in Hampton Roads. It is the oldest caisson lighthouse in Virginia.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Focal Height
16m

Construction & History

Year Built
1891
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7018936 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
21m

Location

City
Virginia
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
36.9452°
Longitude
-76.3915°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse at night?+
Newport News Middle Ground displays the characteristic Fl R 10s — 1 red flash every 10 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. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hampton Roads Pt at 2.4 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Newport News (2.8 NM NW), Hampton Roads (3.1 NM ENE), Norfolk (3.6 NM SE), HAMPTON (5 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Newport News Middle Ground 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 Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse?+
Newport News Middle Ground 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 Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Newport News Middle Ground 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.