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Assateague Light

October 2016

Assateague Light is a 142-foot-tall lighthouse located on the southern end of Assateague Island off the coast of the Virginia Eastern Shore.The lighthouse is located within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. It is owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and is still used as an active aid in navigation. The keeper's quarters are used as seasonal housing for refuge temporary employees, volunteers, and interns.

 

It was constructed in 1867 to replace a shorter lighthouse built in 1833. The lighthouse is painted in alternating bands of red and white which serves as a daymark. The light originally housed a first-order Fresnel lens which has since been replaced with a more powerful electronically powered beacon.

 

A $1.5 million renovation was completed in October 2013. This included replacement of the lower gallery deck, removal & replacement of glass, restoration of the widow's walk & painting of the exterior.

The lighthouse is open on weekends for visitors to climb to the top. LOTS OF STEPS !! But the view was worth the climb!!!

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