VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Locals, tourists and history enthusiasts gathered at Virginia Beach's historic lighthouses on Thursday to mark National Lighthouse Day.

The construction of the historic Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was authorized on Aug. 7, 1789, making it the first federally funded project of the U.S. government. The project was authorized by President George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. (Yes, it's that old.)

To mark the national holiday, guests were able to visit the Old and New Cape Henry Lighthouses. The "new" lighthouse was built in 1881 and is still guiding boats to this day.

Climbers can visit the old lighthouse seven days a week. The new lighthouse is in use by the U.S. Coast Guard, so tours are reserved for National Lighthouse Day.

"I consider Cape Henry,

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