In 1867, a new lighthouse was built on a land bluff that was thrity-one feet above mean low water and positioned on the southerly part of Assateague Island. The lighthouse replced the original lighthouse whose tower's height proved not tall enough to aid in navigation. The distance of the tower from the nearest high water mark is about thirteen hundred feet.

In 1933, electricity was established at the lighthouse and used on the beacon. It now has a bank of batteries and two generators. It requires about 15 hours a week in order to keep the batteries charged for the light to operate well.

The oil house is made of brick, size 14 feet x 18 feet and located about 4 feet east of the tower. The batteries are charged and other supplies are kept here.

The keeper's quarters was built in 1867 and consisted of three large sections, large enough to house three families regardless of the size of each family. Each section included a pantry, kitchen, dining room, living room, three bedrooms, bathroom, and large closet; porches were on both sides of the house.

The 142' tower is located within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge just east of the town of Chincoteague, VA.

The Assateague Ligthouse is open every Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Easter weekend through Thanksgiving weekend.

The cost is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children (2 - 12 years). Children age 2-12 must be accompanied by adult. All proceeds will help fund the restoration, preservation and operation of the lighthouse.   For more information go to the Assateague Lighthouse website or call 757-336-2872.

It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.