The Assateague Lighthouse

The Assateague Lighthouse stands on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia.

The original lighthouse was constructed in 1833 at a cost of approximately $55,000. In 1867 the present taller and more powerfully illuminated brick lighthouse was completed. Assateague's lighthouse has twin rotating lights that flash one after the other from a height of 154 feet above sea level. The lights can be seen 19 miles out to sea. The lighthouse stands 142 feet high, with a base over 27 feet in diameter.

It is trademarked by circular red and white bands. But not at the present.  In need of repainting, it has been sandblasted down to the brick in preparation for repainting. After repainting it will be open again for climbing.

Before and after of the lighthouse. As it stands on the right, bare of paint, it is nearly ready for its facelift.

Memorial Day weekend roaming the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Virginia's Eastern Shore

These are Sika Deer, or Japanese Deer.  They are significantly smaller than our native Whitetail Deer, and may be closer related to elk than deer. They are often seen on Assateague Island.  They are more nocturnal than the Whitetail and best chances of seeing them might be just before dusk.