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Watts Island Lighthouse

🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Watts Island Lighthouse

A 15-meter tower, completed in 1833, was situated on Watts Island in Tangier Sound, Virginia. The structure, the only lighthouse in Virginia designed by engineer John Donahoo, functioned for over a century. It was overturned by a severe winter storm in 1944. The island upon which it stood has since been entirely lost to erosion, leaving only submerged remains.

Why it matters: This lighthouse was the sole Virginia structure designed by engineer John Donahoo and served as a navigation aid for maritime traffic in Tangier Sound.

Background
The Watts Island Light was a historic lighthouse located near Watts Island in the Chesapeake Bay. It was the only lighthouse built by John Donahoo outside of Maryland.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m

Structure: A 15m tower.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Virginia
Sea Region
Tangier Sound, Accomack County, on Little Watts Island
Latitude
37.7820°
Longitude
-75.8940°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1833

Significant events: overturned in a winter storm in 1944, island completely eroded away

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cape Charles(31.7 km)
Admiralty No.
J1714.2
NGA No.
2-22115
ARLHS No.
USA-873
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7975029 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Watts Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Watts Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is SOMERS COVE at 11.9 NM to the N. Other ports served include Nelsonia (14.9 NM E), REEDVILLE (18.5 NM W), GOOSE CREEK (18.8 NM N), FAIRPORT (18.9 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Watts Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Watts 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 Watts Island Lighthouse?+
Watts 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 Watts Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Watts 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.