Assateague Lighthouse

The Assateague Lighthouse is a historic navigational aid located within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia. It sits on the Eastern Shore of Virginia near the Maryland border. The conical brick tower is owned and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The current conical brick tower stands 142 feet tall. It was completed and lit in 1867 to replace an earlier 1833 structure that proved inadequate for guiding ships. Its height and powerful first-order Fresnel lens allow its light to be seen from miles offshore.

The original 1833 lighthouse was deemed too short and its light too weak to effectively warn ships away from the dangerous shoals off the Virginia coast. To improve maritime safety, the United States Congress authorized the construction of a taller, more prominent tower. The current tower was built specifically to provide a much greater visual range.

Yes, visitors can climb the lighthouse, which is managed in partnership with the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. It requires ascending a spiral staircase of 198 steps to reach the watch deck. The climb offers sweeping views of the barrier island and the surrounding wildlife refuge.