Cape Henry Lighthouse was the last and probably least well-done location toured during Preservation Virginia’s Homeschool Days.
This could easily be explained away by the fact the lighthouse sits on Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story and thus access isn’t as easy as the other four sites they showcased during the events.
While they had themed activities, the activities they offered were a timed walking tour covering the base of the lighthouse, a beach overlook, and some statuary in the area. They also had a “build a lighthouse craft” and trivia board but they felt very ill-thought-out and last-minute, especially compared to how great the rest of their events were.
There was also an opportunity for groups to climb to the top of the lighthouse. The Girl and Mom took advantage of this. The Boy, however, with his recently injured leg, was unable to climb stairs very well.
Regarding the historical significance of this location, I’d have to rate the lighthouse and its surroundings as not that great. It was the first federally-funded public works project, authorized by George Washington in 1792. A modernized replacement was built in 1881, and the original lighthouse was gifted to Preservation Virginia.
Because of its location, I wouldn’t recommend adding it to your touring itinerary, unless you or your family are huge lighthouse fans, and someone in your party is a member of the armed forces.
