|
Update – Old Point Comfort Lighthouse
Greatly needed remedial work is underway at the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse located on the Fort Monroe National Monument, Hampton, Virginia. The Coast Guard is utilizing an innovative technology consisting of the use of a soft sponge jet blast media to remove exterior paint containing lead in preparation for the application of a fresh coat of paint. This method will minimize the potential for damage to the oldest active Chesapeake Bay lighthouse. Care is being taken to comply with the requirements of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources while not interfering with Old Fort George, part of which is directly under the lighthouse. This remediation project was scheduled for completion in late spring 2025 with the work done by ICC Commonwealth Historic Preservation.
Behind the 1802/1803 lighthouse, an extensive dig has recently been conducted that afforded archeologists the opportunity to study a wall of Old Fort George which was built circa 1728. (The masonry walls of Fort George were destroyed by a hurricane in 1749 and in 1781, British forces established batteries on the ruins.) Also, across from the lighthouse between Fenwick Road and the waterfront walkway, a plaza is being constructed that will eventually house statues commemorating the late August 1619 arrival of the first Africans in Virginia. A state historic marker on Fort Monroe tells their story and the story of their arrival at Point Comfort.
The construction of the current fort was completed in 1834 and it served as a military installation until 2011, at which time the Army post closed and portions of Fort Monroe were designated as a National Monument. Many buildings that were once occupied by the Army are now leased by the Fort Monroe Authority to businesses, and to families for housing. This includes the 1891 keeper’s house which was once a part of the Old Point Comfort Light Station and was designed to serve two keepers and their families. After the lighthouse was automated in 1973, the keeper’s house was used as single-family Army housing and today it continues to be used as a single-family residence.
After a recent tour of the interior of the spacious keeper’s house, I am delighted to report that the landmark structure is being maintained beautifully with great pride in the history of the lighthouse, the keeper’s house and the significance of Fort Monroe. One of the highlights of the interior is the beautiful multi-level central staircase. (Good knees are a “must” in this house!) Six fireplaces once kept the keepers and their families warm. The first-floor features original hardwood floors, door frames with rosette corner blocks and very high ceilings – about 12 feet. On the exterior, the front-facing gable (with sunburst pattern) presents a unique architectural detail. The house comes with a few ghost stories from the past so I had to ask if there have been recent ghostly visits, and the answer was “none.” However, it seems that one of the recent earthly visitors was Tim Jeter, baseball great Derek Jeter’s cousin!
It is reassuring to know that the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse is receiving some remedial work and that the keeper’s house is being cared for in fine style. Appreciation is extended to Phyllis Terrell, Director of Communications, Fort Monroe Authority and to Sharon Forrest.
| 