This light replaced the first permanently stationed lightship in the United States.

Craney Island forms the west side of the entrance to Norfolk's harbor and has been used as a military facility since the War of 1812.

In 1820 a lightship was stationed off its eastern side to protect the edge of the channel.

This ship had previously been stationed off Willoughby's Shoal, but was quickly moved after it was determined that the first location was too exposed.

This was the first permanent lightship station in the country; it was replaced in 1859 by the first of two screw-pile lights, a square house which survived until 1884.