Old Coastguard Station
Start your Virginia Beach tour off right with a visit to the Old Coastguard Station off of 24th Street on the Boardwalk! This nationally registered historic place was created to honor and preserve the history of Virginia’s coastal community and maritime heritage. In 1871 the Life-Saving Station (USLSS) was created and for 44 years this coastal station saved 28,121 ships and an astonishing 178, 741 lives. In 1915 the U.S. Coastguard was born and this station was renamed and re-purposed. After being decommissioned in 1969, this location became a museum a mere 10 years later, the community realizing the importance immediately of this piece of U.S. history.
The museum located inside the old life-saving station is comprised of two different galleries. One gallery focuses on the U.S. life saving and coastguard services, the other on shipwrecks on the Atlantic coast. Together these galleries hold 1,800 artifacts, 1,000 photos, and an impressive research library holding many historical documents, photos, and newspapers. History fans, patriots at heart, or any traveler interested in maritime practices will absolutely love this historic stop at a once very important Coastguard Station!
