Cape Henry Memorial

Cape Henry Memorial NHP https://www.nps.gov/came/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Henry_Memorial The Cape Henry Memorial commemorates the first landfall at Cape Henry, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, of colonists bound for the Jamestown settlement. After landing on April 26, 1607, they explored the area, named the cape, and set up a cross before proceeding up the James River. A stone cross, set up in 1935 by the Daughters of the American Colonists, stands in the quarter-acre site. The memorial marks the First Landing, the very beginning of what would become British North America and subsequently Anglo Canada and the United States of America. English colonists first landed here in April 1607, erected a wooden cross and gave thanks for a successful crossing to a new land. 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. 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. 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. No Visitor Center At This Location This quarter acre of ground marks the approximate site of the first landing of the Jamestown settlers in Virginia. The grass and shrub covered dunes provides a picturesque setting to just wonder about, read the monuments or just sit down, relax and smell the fresh sea air. Take the walkway leading to the top of the dunes where one can overlook the Atlantic Ocean and the Entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. No Camping at this Location Camping is not available at this site. Memorial Cross Memorial Cross A granite cross erected in 1935 by the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, in memory of the wooden cross erected by the English colonists in 1607. Admiral de Grasse Statue Admiral de Grasse Statue Located near overlook at Cape Henry Battle of Capes Wayside Battle of Capes Wayside At Overlook Memorial Cross Memorial Cross Near Overlook