Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-24
LIGHTHOUSES IN Virginia.
Report by the BoarG-Post Lights
Along James River.

WASHINGTON. D. c.. December "a
| notwithstanding the work OF the
stations for the fiscal year endsd June
80 1902. the Lighthouse Board, in It's
report just issued speaks as follows OF
lighthouses on Virginia coasts:
Assateague.-The shell road was eE-
tended to the south boundary. its borders
were dressed and adjacent beds OF loose
sand covered with pine needles. Inc
gate was removed to suit the Location
trees and shrubs and some SEEDS were
furnished for use on the grounds. Some
minor additions were made to the map
Of the station. Various repairs were
made.
killick sloal.-A fuel platform was
constructed underneath the lighthouse.
Western Branch Elizabeth River-ln
November. 1901, the wreck OF this beacon.
gerous to vessels. was removed. Borings
were made on the opposite side OF the
channel to ascertain whether d better
foundation could be found for q more
stable structure. but without success.
York Spit. Entrance to York River
S0undings were made around tue light
house in July and October, 1901 ine
erosion OF the shoal has been considerable
since the structure was built in 1870.
Cape Charles City Harbor.-An eight
day lantern and lamp were repaired in
July. 1901. In October the southern beacon.
which had been badly damaged by q
passing EeSSel. Was rebuilt II "stS -ttSstii!
partly wrecked on November e, 1901, but
a light is still shown from It. In No
vember the erection was completed
OF q wooden structure, feet
by 10 feet in plan and one story hlsh
anchored en- the end OF the jetty to
serve as a fog-sisna house and 70 sup
port the light OF the northern beacon.
On February 70. 1902. the 1atttr-a fixed
red post-lanteru light--was moved TO-
and exhibited from, the new structure
ana bell was established to be struck
by machinery during thick OF fOggy
weather. q single blow every ten. seconds.
The new position of the light il about $50
feet to the westward OF the former site.
and its height above mean high water
is twenty eight feet. A one-story struc-
ture was built TO accommodate dynamo
and other machinery for the purpose of
automatically winding the fog-bell appa-
ratus
Cherry Point Entrance to Piankatank
River.-The following IS copy OF
letter dated December. 1871. from the Sec
of the HOUSE OF Representatives:
This department. has the honor to state.
at. the instance of the Lighthouse
at the mouth OF the Piantatank river.
Virginia, which in foggy weather and ut
nieht make an entrance exceedingly diff
cult for vessels bound up the river, eepa
cial7y as the Pienkatank is a very bold
stream. The vessel man state that large
quantities OF oysters are shipped from
this vicinity and that the mary sailing
craft which frequent. tais river are much
inconvenitrced. az they are only able &c
rla vigate by day with safety
The Lisht-Eouse Board at its session
on November 4. 1901. considered this
question. when it was decided that there
ought to De erected at an estimated ed cost
OF 5000. on the point Of shoal off Cherry
Point. Piarkatank river. Virginia. an iron
screw pile structure to show small
white light. il about eight feet of water.
s.. 900 to establish this light. The depart
n1f7nt, for the reasons stated. concurs
with the Lighthouse Board in recon-
nending. that an appropriation Of this
amount be made therefor.
Ragged Point. Potomac River-Tf1e fol
lowing recommendation. made in the
boards last six annual reports, is re-
rswed:
bank of The river at short turning
point. It is important that this point be
marked by a light at night and a fog
signal during thick Gather. It is esti-
can be established here for s20,101. and it
is recommended that an appropriation Of
this amount be made therefor.
POST LIGHTS.
Pagan Creek, James River.-The estab- |
lisllnent Of range post lights at entrance
to this creek has been deferred until the
channel is -opened by dredging. as is
contemplated. /.
6utWGtl S Bay fdnSS, James River !
The front light was lowered by placing
It in box on the edge of the bluff. and |
some trees were cut away that obstruct- /
ed the lights.
Church Point. James Rivera post was |
erected near the southeast corner OF the |!
wharf at Jamestown Island on June Goth |
and the light will be exhibited on the |
nigh. Of July !. 1902.
Wilcox Wharf Range. James River |
TWO lights We're erected June list on the /
bluff below wilcox Wharf to form /
range for the swasil channel past Ninzies |
Middle Ground and will be lighted on the |
ai=ht of July I. 1902.
Maycox Point Range. James River
Range liehts for the main channel OF the |
river from WILCOX Wharf to Buckler !
Point buoy were erected June 23d and /
viii BE- lighted on the night Of July !. 1862. /
Meadowvile. James River.-1t being |
.ound iupracticable TO keep a spindle |
IN Woodson's Rock. on account OF drift |
wood during freshets, the light was dis
Woodeor's Rock Range. James River |
Range liefts We're put UP on shore at |
Nee dowvil'e on June 2tth to guide clear |
IF Woodson's Rock. They will be lighted I
IN July I, 1902
Chains Bluff. James River.-On June /