Standing in the James River of Virginia, Point of Shoals Light was built in 1855 to guide vessels through one of the river’s most treacherous shallow stretches. The screwpile lighthouse served as a critical navigational aid for commercial and military traffic during the Civil War era. Its distinctive design reflects mid-19th-century engineering adapted to the Chesapeake Bay region’s soft river bottoms.

The light is no longer active and is not open to the public, so climbing is not possible. It is best viewed and photographed by boat, with golden hour light on calm summer evenings offering the most striking conditions.

Nearby attractions include Historic Jamestown, the James River plantations, and Colonial Williamsburg, all within easy driving distance.

Explore Nearby

• Matapeake State Park — State Park in Maryland
• Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden — State Park in Maryland
• Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Baltimore’s Historic Charles Street — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Jericho Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maryland