Chesapeake Chapter, US Lighthouse Society - Our Lighthouse Heritage

New Point Comfort Lighthouse

The New Point Comfort light, the third oldest light on the Bay, was built in 1804. It is located at the entrance to Mobjack Bay and the mouth of the York River in Mathews County, Virginia.

In 1865 the 63-foot tower was fitted with a new fourth-order Fresnel lens that allowed the light to be visible for 13 miles. The light was automated in 1930.

In 1933 a hurricane struck and washed away much of the land around the lighthouse causing it to be stranded on a very small island a few 100 yards from the tip of the mainland.

In 1968 the Coast Guard abandoned the station. In 1972 a concerned group of county residents had the light placed on the Virginia Historic Landmarks List. In 1975 the light was deeded to Mathews County. The county, through grants and gifts has done about $125,000 dollars worth of repairs to the tower including the building of a small dock for access. Vandalism continues to be a problem with the light but it can be visited by boat or it is said that one can wade out to the light at low tide but this has not been confirmed.

D R I V I N G D I R E C T I O N S

From the center of Seluda, VA, at the intersection of US 17 and State Route 33, about 60 east of Richmond, follow State Route 33 east for about 6.9 miles until State Route 3 joins with 33. Continue for 7 miles more until State Route 33 turns left and State Route 3 continues south. Stay on State Route 3 until it intersects with State Route 198. Turn left on to State Route 198 and continue for 15 miles until State Route 14 joins 198. Continue for 10 more miles until a "T" intersection with a small store on the right. Turn left and continue for one block untill State Route 14 turns right and State Route 600 continues straight. Go 1.2 miles to the end of the road. There is parking and you can see the light about a mile away to the left.

If you have a boat, there is a marina to the right of the "T" intersection that you can put your boat into the water and visit the light.

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