North Carolina
Click on the images to
see a larger version.
Bald Head Lighthouse-Cape
Fear, Southport, North Carolina-This
octagonal, 110 foot brick tower is the oldest lighthouse in the state of
North Carolina and is no longer in use. It was deactivated in 1935.
It is on Smith Island so I have only seen it from a distance.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse-Cape
Hatteras National Seashore-This
lighthouse is 168 feet tall. Unfortunatly due to several decades
of automation when lighthouse keepers were no longer needed, the stairs
were not painted for many years and they have rusted to the point where it is no longer safe
to climb to the top. Visitors are only allowed to go into the base
of the lighthouse and look up. I have been there four times. Last I heard funds are
being raised to repair the stairs so someday it may be safe for visitors to climb to the top.
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse-Cape
Lookout National Seashore-The distinctive
black and white diamond color makes this 150 foot lighthouse an excellent
landmark. It is 156 feet above sealevel and was activated on November
1st, 1859. The light is still active. Up until
June 1997 I had only seen this lighthouse from a distance, but the last two times I have been
able to take a boat to the island and get a close up view and some nice pics...
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse-Corolla,
North Carolina-This lighthouse
is an exact duplicate of the Bodie Island lighthouse 40 miles south.
It was left unpainted and it's reddish brick design distinguishes it from
the other lighthouses along the coast. The light is 158 feet above
sea level, it is still active and can be seen for 19 miles. I have been
to the top of this lighthouse three times.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse-Buxton,
North Carolina-At 208 feet
tall, this is America's tallest lighthouse. Until it's recent move it was
threatened by erosion, and it looked like the lighthouse would fall into the
ocean like the previous one at that site. The lighthouse was open to the
public up until the preparations for the move began. It is one of
my favorite lighthouses, and I have been to the top five times, the last time being June
2001. While it is quite a climb, the view is terrific and you can see the Cape from the top.
After years of debate and controversy, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was finally moved
safely away from the approaching ocean. The Keeper's quarters had previously been moved
and the moving of the lighthouse itself was completed in July 1999. The steps and walkway
were numbered, stored, and replaced in exactly the same position as before. After the
foundation work was completed and the island recovered from Hurricane Dennis, a relighting
ceremony took place November 13th, 1999. The lighthouse is once again open to the public. I
went to the new location in June 2001 and the view is still spectacular.
There is a circular stone monument at the old site dedicated to all the lighthouse keepers
who served there.
Oak Island Lighthouse-Oak
Island, North Carolina-This Lighthouse
stands 169 feet and is among the most recent and innovative southern lighthouse
towers. It is made of reinforced concrete and the tower never needs
painting since its colors were mixed into the wet concrete. This
lighthouse is part of the Oak Island Coast Guard Station and is not open
to the public. Oak Island marks the entrance to North Carolina's
historic Cape Fear River. I have been to this lighthouse one time
and probably will not go again as it is not all that impressive in my opinion...
Ocracoke Lighthouse-Ocracoke
Island, North Carolina-This lighthouse
stands guard on the island where Blackbeard the pirate met his fate.
The 76 foot conical masonry tower was built in 1823 near the village of
Ocracoke. Now automated the light is 75 feet above the water and
is still active. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in North Carolina.
I have been there four times and it is one of my favorites to visit.
To be continued...
This page was last updated
Friday, February 25th, 2005
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