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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
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