Lambert Point Light

Sept. 10, 2019
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Lambert Point Light, Norfolk, Virginia

Screwpile style lighthouse built in 1872.

LAMBERT POINT LIGHT

Name of Lighthouse: Lambert Point
Location: Elizabeth River - Norfolk
Date Built: 1872
Type of Structure: Square Screwpile
Operational: No
Date Automated: N/A
Deactivated: 1892
Foghorn: Yes
Construction Material: wooden
Tower Shape: square
Relationship to Other Structure: Integral
Original Lens: 5th Order Fresnel
Characteristics: Fixed Red
Status: No Longer Standing

Historical Information:

  • The lighthouse was built in 1872 and consisted of a brown dwelling with a red lantern built on top of the structure.  The original lens was a 5th order Fresnel.
  • The lighthouse sat with a 14 inch tilt due to uneven settling on the pilings. More piles were added in an attempt to stabilize the structure. During this construction a dock from the shore to the light and a pier were added.
  • As the Norfolk and Western Railroad expanded the light became less visible because of the additional docks and piers.  As a result the light was decommissioned in 1892.  At this same time a lightship was established to mark nearby Bush Bluff.
  • In 1901 the fog signal was re-started and continued to serve for the next 10 years.
  • In 1911 the lighthouse collapsed due to deterioration.