Cape Henry Memorial (First Landing Cross)
Commemorating the first English landing and a pivotal Revolutionary War naval battle on an active Army base.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier base access
Cape Henry Memorial (First Landing Cross)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier base access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Commemorating the first English landing and a pivotal Revolutionary War naval battle on an active Army base.
"A site of deep historical resonance, though access requires navigating an active Army base."
🚗 Base Access Required
You need to check in at the Army base and may need to surrender your license. Have your ID ready!
🚌 Shuttle Bus is Key
A shuttle bus transports visitors to the memorial site from the base. Listen to the guides!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
First Landing Cross
Cape Henry Memorial
The iconic cross marking the spot of the first English landing in 1607. A powerful symbol of early American history.
Battle of the Capes Overview
Cape Henry Memorial
A vantage point offering views of the area where a crucial naval battle secured American victory at Yorktown.
Admiral de Grasse Statue
Cape Henry Memorial
A memorial statue honoring the French admiral whose fleet played a key role in the American Revolution.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Memorial
Historical Significance
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Base Access Required
You need to check in at the Army base and may need to surrender your license. Have your ID ready!
🚌 Shuttle Bus is Key
A shuttle bus transports visitors to the memorial site from the base. Listen to the guides!
🗺️ Pay Attention to Maps
Navigating the base can be tricky. Follow directions carefully to avoid restricted areas.
📜 Bring Your ID
Your driver's license will be held at check-in until you return.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Base Access Required
You need to check in at the Army base and may need to surrender your license. Have your ID ready!
🚌 Shuttle Bus is Key
A shuttle bus transports visitors to the memorial site from the base. Listen to the guides!
🗺️ Pay Attention to Maps
Navigating the base can be tricky. Follow directions carefully to avoid restricted areas.
📜 Bring Your ID
Your driver's license will be held at check-in until you return.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the profound historical significance of Cape Henry Memorial, particularly its connection to the first English landing and the pivotal Battle of the Capes. However, the access procedures on the active Army base can be a significant hurdle, requiring patience and adherence to strict protocols.
"The prayer prayed on these shores is what the foundation of this country was about. They cross at Cape Henry was the whole reason for our trip."
Wendy White
"I came here because I'm an American Revolution buff. My GPS steered me wrong - this memorial is on an active Army base, so many of the roads are closed or restricted. You have to check in at the base, then take a shuttle bus here. Make sure you have your license with you because they keep that until you return. Listen to the guides and pay attention to the map. You can be arrested if you take a wrong step! But there's a nice overview of the area where the Battle of the Capes took place (which was pivotal in keeping Cornwallis trapped in Yorktown) and a statue memorializing de Grasse."
Melissa Nash
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B. S.
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cape Henry Memorial is located on Fort Story, an active Army base. You must check in at the base gate, provide identification, and then take a shuttle bus to the memorial site. Be prepared for security checks and potential road restrictions.
No, Cape Henry Memorial is a separate historical site located on Fort Story Army base, distinct from First Landing State Park, which is about a 45-minute drive away.
Generally, no. Access to the memorial is typically via a shuttle bus from the Army base. Roads within the base may be restricted.
GPS can sometimes be unreliable due to base access. It's best to follow official signage for Fort Story. Be prepared to stop at the gate for check-in.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee for the Cape Henry Memorial itself, but access is controlled by the Army base. You will need valid identification to enter the base.
Operating hours can vary due to the memorial's location on an active military base. It's advisable to check with the base or relevant authorities for the most current hours before your visit.
There is typically no entrance fee for the Army base itself, but you will need to present valid identification for security purposes.
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, to enter Fort Story. Your ID may be held during your visit to the memorial.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The memorial features the First Landing Cross, a statue of Admiral de Grasse, and an overlook of the area where the Battle of the Capes took place.
Guides are often available on-site to provide historical context and ensure visitors follow base regulations. Listening to them is crucial.
You should stay within designated areas and follow the guidance of base personnel and guides. There are restricted zones on the base.
The site is on an active Army base, so safety protocols are in place. Following instructions from guides and base personnel is essential.
Cape Henry marks the site of the first landing of English colonists in 1607 and was a strategic location during the American Revolution, particularly the Battle of the Capes.
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Navigating Base Access
Once cleared, you'll typically be directed to a shuttle bus service that transports you to the memorial site. Driving directly to the memorial is usually not permitted due to base operations and restricted areas. Following the instructions of base personnel and guides is paramount, as straying into unauthorized zones could lead to serious consequences, including arrest.
The Historical Importance
Beyond the initial settlement, the site also holds significance for the American Revolution. It overlooks the waters where the Battle of the Capes took place in 1781. This crucial naval engagement saw the French fleet under Admiral de Grasse defeat the British, preventing Cornwallis from receiving reinforcements and ultimately leading to the British surrender at Yorktown.
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