North Carolina’s Other Lighthouses
Beyond Cape Hatteras, Bodie and Orcacoke
Mention lighthouses and North Carolina and images of the Cape Hatteras' spiraling black and white come to mind. Here are the state's other beacons.
When visiting the Outer Banks do not miss North Carolina’s newest lighthouse at the North Carolina Maritime Museum of Roanoke Island in Manteo.
Four years ago a replica of a 12 screw-pile lighthouse was dedicated. Different in architectural style from many of her more famed neighboring structures, the
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is now allows modern day visitors to appreciate this type of lighthouse design that once dotted the coastline. Squat and constructed in a hexagon shape the building is usually less that two stories high.
Cape Lookout remains a beacon of nativational recognition to mariners along the Outer Banks' southernmost point. Her black and white diamond pattern since the mid 19th century became the keystone in the design for neighboring lighthouses like Cape Hatteras and Bodie Island. Cape Lookout has been important in identifying the coastline to both Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War as well as opposing 20th century ships and submarines during WWII.
Please be aware to visit Cape Lookout one must take a private ferry.
Off the Outer Banks, and to the northeast, where the Roanoke River and the Albemarle Sound meet stands another screw pile light in the town of Plymouth.
This screw-pile lighthouse marks a celebration of community grit and determination.
Desiring to restore and preserve the dilapidated original structure the plans were forced to stop when an ice storm ruined the keeper’s house. The restoration price was too high. Rather than abandon the idea – the community, and others, raised funds to build a new structure in the exact style. See the results at the Port O’Plymouth Museum.
Good news on the original Plymouth screw-pile lighthouse. It was purchased by the Edenton Historical Society. Hopefully soon from both shores of the Sound – lights will shine again.
A shortened structure of bricks remains the rather ghostly reminder of the many lighthouses that illuminated the shore of the Cape Fear River. Off limits to the public – it can be seen – but one must look quickly.
Approximately five minutes after departing from Southport on the Fort Fisher bound ferry appears a small cone shaped brick structure on private land. This marks the remainer of the lighthouses, which once shone along a winding 20 plus mile trek from Wilmington to the Atlantic.
It’s a short drive from Southport to Oak Island. Here among houses on the road of Caswell Beach, and next to the Coast Guard station, the last built working lighthouse stands. She is not as romantic as others with her black, white and gray paint job, but she is a workhorse. Her beacon, at 24 miles, is one of the strongest in the world. If you are planning a visit to the Oak Island Lighthouse be prepared she is open seasonally or with advance reservations.
Once again a ferry ride is required to see “Old Baldy”. The lighthouse, on Bald Island in Brunswick County, was in service for close to a century and a half. Repair and patch jobs done over the decades resulted in her unique coloring. Once again local citizens and lighthouse enthusiasts from around the world have kept this relic of the past a constant learning tool for present and future generations. Also one can learn the 400 year history of the region at its small museum.
A second island beacon – this time the red and white Cape Fear Lighthouse remained in service until 50 years ago. Now its remaining generator room acts as a local information office.
In reality or memory, North Carolina’s other lighthouses continue to burn brightly.
