New Point Comfort Lighthouse

By A Mystery Man Writer

Standing at the end of what was once the southernmost peninsula in Mathews County, now surrounded by water and hundreds of yards from the mainland, the lighthouse marks the entrance to Mobjack Bay. Authorized by Congress and commissioned by Thomas Jefferson in 1801, this 63-foot high sandstone tower with its spiraling stone steps to the lighthouse cage, was built in 1805 by Elzy Burroughs, the first keeper. The keeper’s dwelling once stood next to the lighthouse on a five-acre tract. The 200th anniversary of the first illumination was celebrated on January 17, 2005. It is the third oldest lighthouse still standing on the Chesapeake Bay, tenth oldest in the US. Today, it may be seen from the New Point Comfort Observation Walkway located at the southern end of Route 600. Virginia Highway Historical Marker N-89. You can tour this lighthouse by boat, dead rise boat cruise, kayak and SUP board from various rental businesses in the area! Stop by the Mathews Visitor Center at 239 Main Street to get a complete guide of how to get to the Lighthouse - remember you can't get there by car or foot! Bring your own non-moterized watercraft to the landing at New Point Comfort Observation Walkway to access the beach and get closer to the lighthouse in person!
Standing at the end of what was once the southernmost peninsula in Mathews County, now surrounded by water and hundreds of yards from the mainland