In 1781, Americans could watch from these same sand dunes the largest naval battle of the Revolutionary War. Our French Allies defeated a British fleet just off this shore to set the stage for General George Washington's victory at Yorktown.
Photo: NPS Photo
Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park
English colonists first landed here in April 1607, erected a wooden cross and gave thanks for a successful crossing to a new land.
- LocationFort Story, VA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
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Weather now79°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Things to Do
2 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Cape Henry
Hours details
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Cape HenryDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
Currently, Cape Henry Memorial is only open to those who have access to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story. You must be able to provide a military ID. This quarter acre of ground marks the approximate site of the first landing of the Jamestown settlers in Virginia.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
79°F
Sunny · feels like 80°
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Today
79° 71°
Sunny8% rain
-
Tomorrow
74° 65°
Patchy rain nearby58% rain -
Sunday
70° 67°
Patchy rain nearby93% rain
Updated 5 hr ago
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 3:54AM EDT until October 3 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
* WHAT...North winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and waves
2 to 4 ft expected.
* WHERE...Chesapeake Bay from New Point Comfort to Little Creek
VA and Chesapeake Bay from Little Creek VA to Cape Henry VA
including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
* WHEN...From 6 AM to 4 PM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 11:15AM EDT until October 3 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
* WHAT...North winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and
waves 2 to 4 ft expected.
* WHERE...Chesapeake Bay from New Point Comfort to Little Creek
VA and Chesapeake Bay from Little Creek VA to Cape Henry VA
including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
* WHEN...From 6 AM to 4 PM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
What to expect by season
Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 80 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 80 F to 100 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water . Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Winter: Temperatures range from 40 F to 20 F. Be prepared with cold weather gear and numerous layers if you intend to be outside.
Getting There
Fort Story, VA 23459
Located on the south side of the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Henry Memorial sits within the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. From Interstate 64 E take exit 282 to merge onto US-13N/Northhampton Boulevard towards the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Full directions
Then take US-60 E/Shore Drive exit toward Beaches, this is the last exit before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Follow Shore Drive and turn left onto Atlantic Ave and proceed to Gate 8. Follow Atlantic Ave to Cape Henry Memorial.
Mailing address: Colonial National Historical Park P.O. Box 210, Yorktown, VA 23690
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