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LIGHTHOUSES OF NORTH CAROLINAS'S OUTER BANKS

Marcus Roberts

Lighthouses of the Outer Banks

Lighthouses fo the Outer Banks

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Why So Many Lighthouses Along North Carolina’s Coast Outer banks is known as the “Graveyard of the

Pacific” Much shipping and commerce in the 1800s Strong currents Fierce Storms Shifting shoals Hundreds of ships have sunk in these menacing

waters Most lighthouses now part of Cape Hatteras

National Seashore operated by the National Park Service

Lighthouses fo the Outer Banks

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Bodie Island Lighthouse Present Bodie Island

lighthouse is third construction; first two were defective

Electric light installed in 1932’ ending need for full-time keeper

Keeper’s home now serves as ranger office and visitors center

Lighthouses fo the Outer Banks

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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Tallest Lighthouse in

North America Striped markings served

as day makers for daytime sailors

Still functions, only now it’s totally automated

Light appears to flash every 7 seconds (light actually rotates )

Rate of “Flashing” identifies the lighthouse

Lighthouses fo the Outer Banks

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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (continued) Tallest brick

lighthouse in the world

1.25 million bricks Base measures 24

feet by 45.5 feet

Lighthouses fo the Outer Banks

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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Continued) Spiraling staircase

leads to top 275 steps Over 175,000

tourists visit tower each year to climb the steps

Lighthouses fo the Outer Banks

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Ocracoke Lighthouse Oldest active

lighthouse in NC Shortest lighthouse

in NC Present lighthouse

made of brick Diameter 25 feet at

base, 12 feet at top

Lighthouses fo the Outer Banks

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Data on These Lighthouses

Lighthouse Year Constructed

Height Signal Distance

Bodie Island 1873 156 feet 19 Miles

Cape Hatteras 1803,1870 208 feet 20 miles

Ocracoke 1823 76 feet 14 miles

Lighthouses fo the Outer Banks

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For More Information Ardith S. Division of Historic

Preservation Massachusetts State

Historical society 145 Backbay

Heights Road Boston, MA 02114 617-555-0654