Dutch Gap Canal Lighthouse

Year Built

1875

Cost

$15,000

Type

Posts planked and arranged with a supply room

Height

27 feet

Location

James River

Automated Year

N/A

First Lit

1878

Lens Type

Small oil lanterns

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

1910

Color

N/A

Last Keeper - Date

Charles E. Kirwan (1908 – at least 1917)

Description

The lighthouse was deactivated in 1910 the Dutch Gap Canal Lights are now part of an 800-acre conservation area maintained by Henricus Park.

Brief History

•  1878 – The lights exhibited at each end of Dutch Gap Canal changed from fixed white to fixed red. March 1, 1878.
•  1888 – The keeper's dwelling is endangered by the caving in of the bank.
•  1889 – Arrangements for the purchase of the additional land needed at this station have been made and it is expected that the title papers will soon be ready for examination by the Attorney-General of the United States.
•  1899 – An iron oil house was erected, some repairs were made, and some 335 running feet of plank walks were laid.
•  1918 – The lights are discontinued. In October, the Dutch Gap Cut-Off light was established between the upper and lower lights.