Funds for a light near Quantico, Virginia were appropriated in 1872. An engineering study recommended instead that lights be built  downstream, and an appropriation was made in 1874 to build a light on Port Tobacco Flats, with a day beacon for Mathias Point.
The initial funding for a light near Quantico, Virginia was redirected due to an engineering study recommending a different location, resulting in the construction of a light on Port Tobacco Flats and a day beacon at Mathias Point.