| What is it? |
The Jones Point Lighthouse is one of the last riparian lighthouses in the country! |
| What makes it historical? |
This lighthouse was essential to the commercial development of Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington, D.C! Its advanced fifth order Fresnel lens kept ships from running aground on the shoals of the Potomac from 1856 until 1926. The beam could be seen for 9 miles! Unfortunately, it ran out of usefulness when a massive shipyard was constructed at Jones Point to supply the World War I efforts, obscuring the light. It fell into disrepair for many years until it became part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in 1964!
Jones Point also marks the spot where Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia meet! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
- Volunteer with the Volunteers-In-Parks Program!
- Donate to the National Park Foundation!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
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| Where is this place? |
Jones Point Park
Jones Point Drive & Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(Walk 1/4 mile south of the parking lot, and you’ll see it on the river bank, plain as day!)
From Appomattox: ~191mi (308km) — 3.2hrs
From Arlington: ~18mi (29km) — 0.3hrs
From Norfolk: ~194mi (313km) — 3.3hrs
From Richmond: ~103mi (166km) — 1.8hrs |
| When should I go? |
The park is open every day from 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM! |
