Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse

Year Built

1891

Cost

$50,000

Type

Sparkplug

Height

70 feet

Location

East of the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel in Hampton Roads

Automated Year

1954

First Lit

1891

Lens Type

Fourth order Fresnel lens (original), Vega VRB-25 solar-powered beacon (current)

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

Red w/black lantern

Last Keeper - Date

Harvey E. Mayor ( – 1954)

Description

The lighthouse privately owned is not open to the public.

Brief History

•  In 1954 the light was automated and the characteristic was changed to flashing white and the fog signal was changed from a double to a single blow every 15 seconds.
•  In 1979 the structure was hit by a tugboat that caused some decking to be knocked out and resulted in leaking in the foundation.
•  In 1986-1987 the light was solarized and was replaced by a less powerful channel marker light that was placed on a pole outside the lantern room.
•  Around 1992 the completion of the bay bridge tunnel (Monitor-Merrimack Bridge Tunnel) made the light hard to see.
•  Robert Gonsoulin of Williamsburg, Virginia is the proud owner of Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse.