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Gray stone cross monument in front of a low stone wall at the end of a flagstone path Photo: NPS Photo

Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park

Part of Colonial National Historical Park · Virginia

English colonists first landed here in April 1607, erected a wooden cross and gave thanks for a successful crossing to a new land.

Plan your visit Directions
  • LocationFort Story, VA
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
  • Weather now70°F Sunny
  • Alerts No active alerts

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.

Patinaed statue of a military officer flanked by flagpoles and benches
Located near overlook at Cape Henry — NPS Photo

Things to Do

2 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

Battle of Capes Wayside
At Overlook — Park Ranger Linda Williams

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Cape Henry

Hours details
  • Cape HenryDaily, Sunrise to Sunset

    Currently, Cape Henry Memorial is only open to those who have access to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story. You must be able to provide a military ID. This quarter acre of ground marks the approximate site of the first landing of the Jamestown settlers in Virginia.

    MondaySunrise to Sunset
    TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
    WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
    ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
    FridaySunrise to Sunset
    SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
    SundaySunrise to Sunset

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

Atlantic Ave
Fort Story, VA 23459

Get directions Map & directions info

Contact the park

Weather & conditions

70°F
Sunny · feels like 71°
  • Today 73° 67°
    Sunny
    9% rain
  • Tomorrow 78° 69°
    Sunny
    6% rain
  • Thursday 74° 66°
    Overcast
    31% rain

Updated 3 hr ago

What to expect by season

Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 80 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 80 F to 100 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water . Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Winter: Temperatures range from 40 F to 20 F. Be prepared with cold weather gear and numerous layers if you intend to be outside.

Getting There

Atlantic Ave
Fort Story, VA 23459

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.

Full directions

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.

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

Mailing address: Colonial National Historical Park P.O. Box 210, Yorktown, VA 23690

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