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. 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.

Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking

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

Located near overlook at Cape Henry

Battle of Capes Wayside

At Overlook

Memorial Cross

Near Overlook