First Order Fresnel Lens from the Hog Island Light - Portsmouth VA
Posted by: Don.Morfe
N 36° 50.088 W 076° 17.769
18S E 384421 N 4077330
This pavilion displays a first order Fresnel lens from the second Hog Island Light. The lens began service in 1896. Originally built in 1852, the first building was destroyed by erosion and rebuilt in 1896, only to be deactivated in 1948.
Waymark Code: WM1381B
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 10/07/2020
Views: 2
First Order Fresnel Lens from the Hog Island Light-This pavilion displays a first order Fresnel lens from the second Hog Island Light. The lens began service in 1896. Originally built in 1852, the first building was destroyed by erosion and rebuilt in 1896, only to be deactivated in 1948. The locations of both these lights are now under water off the Eastern Shore.
The Fresnel Lens was named after Augustin Fresnel?—?the French physicist who devised the optical system around 1822. At about 10 feet high and 2,500 pounds, this lens is among the largest and brightest of its kind, with more than 250 prisms of optical glass. Only the lens at Makapu’u Point Light, Hawaii is larger.
Established in 1852, the Hog Island Light was located on the north side of the Great Machipongo Inlet on the Eastern Shore of Virginia until its demolition in 1948.
The restoration of the lens and the construction of the pavilion were funded by the Portsmouth Museums Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the City of Portsmouth and the Fifth Coast Guard District. The dedication ceremony of the Fresnel Lens Pavilion took place on November 5, 2003.
Group that erected the marker: Path of History Portsmouth VA
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: [Web Link]
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary: intersection of High Street and Water Street Olde Towne along the seawall, just south of the High Street ferry landing Portsmouth, VA USA 23704
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