Chincoteague Island .Net

Assateague Lighthouse, surrounded by Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, is popular with tourists for its history, abundant wildlife and rich refuge lore.

Built in 1833, the original lighthouse was only 45 feet tall, making it ineffective. It was rebuilt in 1867 to stand 154 feet above high water mark.

More than 320 species of birds have been recorded on this barrier island refuge, which has been designated a Globally Important Bird Area and a National Audubon Society Top Ten birding hotspot.

Resident species of birds include the bald eagle, great blue heron and piping plover. The refuge is also home to the famous wild Chincoteague ponies, descended from horses presumed to have swum ashore from Spanish galleons that foundered off the coast in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Lighthouse tours are offered by the Chincoteague Natural History Association on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. from April 3 through June 14 and from October 1 through November 29. Entry fees are $2 for children, ages 2-12 and $4 for adults. Fees support the maintenance and restoration of the lighthouse. From June 18 through September 28 the lighthouse is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The refuge maintains several miles of trails for hiking and biking and a loop wildlife drive. The Lighthouse Trail, a quarter-mile foot path through the woods to the lighthouse, is for walkers only. The refuge charges an $8-per-car entrance fee. Adjacent Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service, offers beach parking and bathhouse facilities. For more information, visit http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco/ or call 757-336-6122.

source: FWS press release