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Fort Wool Lighthouse

Fl W 4s🇺🇸Virginia, USInactive

Location & Light Range

About Fort Wool Lighthouse

Fort Wool Lighthouse is a maritime navigation aid located in Virginia, US. It is currently listed as inactive and may no longer emit a light signal. The light sits at a focal height of 7 meters above mean sea level.

Light characteristic: The identifying signal of this lighthouse is Fl W 4s. This means the light produces 1 flash every 4 seconds. Mariners use this distinctive pattern to positively identify the light and distinguish it from other aids to navigation in the area. The light displays a white signal, the most common color for major coastal lights.

Position: Fort Wool Lighthouse is positioned at 36.9867°N, 76.3023°W, near Virginia in US.

Geographic context: Fort Wool Lighthouse is situated on the North Atlantic Ocean, within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. The location falls within the temperate maritime climate zone.

Nearby lighthouses in US: Other lighthouses in the region include Abagadasset Point Range, Absecon, Admiralty Head Light, Ahukini Breakwater, Alameda County (Oakland Area) Lighthouses. View all on the Lighthouses Directory.

Nearby Ports

Hampton Roads

USHNV

1.9 NMSW

Hampton Roads Pt

USHR3

2.6 NMWSW

HAMPTON

USHAX

2.8 NMNW

Norfolk

USORF

5.8 NMSSW

LANGLEY

USLGL

5.9 NMNNW

Flash Characteristics

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

Physical Specifications

Focal Height
7m
Light Range
Not available
Status
INACTIVE
City
Virginia
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
36.9867°
Longitude
-76.3023°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Fort Wool Lighthouse at night?+
Fort Wool 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 Fort Wool Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Fort Wool Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hampton Roads at 1.9 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Hampton Roads Pt (2.6 NM WSW), HAMPTON (2.8 NM NW), Norfolk (5.8 NM SSW), LANGLEY (5.9 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Fort Wool Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Fort Wool 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 Fort Wool Lighthouse?+
Fort Wool 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 Fort Wool Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Fort Wool 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.