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Thimble Shoal Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇺🇸Virginia, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Thimble Shoal Lighthouse

Constructed in 1872, Thimble Shoal Lighthouse became operational that same year. The white tower stands 16.7 meters tall, with its light positioned at a focal height of 16.5 meters. It exhibits a flashing white light. The structure has been a part of the Virginia coastline for over a century.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
16.5m

Construction & History

Year Built
1872
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7784202 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16.7m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Virginia
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
37.0139°
Longitude
-76.2392°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Thimble Shoal Lighthouse at night?+
Thimble Shoal displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white 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.
Which ports and harbors does Thimble Shoal Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Thimble Shoal Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is HAMPTON at 5 NM to the W. Other ports served include Hampton Roads (5.3 NM WSW), Hampton Roads Pt (6 NM WSW), LANGLEY (6.3 NM NW), Norfolk (8.7 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Thimble Shoal Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Thimble Shoal 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 Thimble Shoal Lighthouse?+
Thimble Shoal 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 Thimble Shoal Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Thimble Shoal 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.