Ocracoke Lighthouse
360 Lighthouse Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960, USA
Name and Location
The Ocracoke Lighthouse is located on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, United States.
Construction and History
Built in 1823, the Ocracoke Lighthouse has served as a beacon for mariners navigating the Outer Banks for nearly two centuries. Its original construction was funded by the U.S. government to aid in navigation for commercial vessels. In 1955, it was transferred to the National Park Service as part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse was constructed using masonry and stands at an impressive 25.9 meters (85 feet) tall.
Light and Navigation
The Ocracoke Lighthouse is still operational and serves as an aid to navigation for vessels traveling through the Outer Banks. The light source is electric, and its height is 22.8 meters (74 feet) above sea level. Its range is approximately 15 nautical miles (27 kilometers). The lighthouse's light characteristic is a flash every 15 seconds.
Accessibility and Visiting
No information available.
Notable Views and Landscape
No information available.
Anecdotes and Folklore
The Ocracoke Lighthouse is one of only a few lighthouses built on an island. Its original construction was funded by the U.S. government to aid in navigation for commercial vessels. The lighthouse has undergone several renovations and repairs throughout its history, including a major restoration project in the 1990s.
Technical and Operational Details
The light source is electric, and its height is 22.8 meters (74 feet) above sea level. Its range is approximately 15 nautical miles (27 kilometers). The lighthouse's light characteristic is a flash every 15 seconds.
Further Information
In 1990, the Ocracoke Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Reference: NRHP #90001465). The lighthouse has also been featured in various publications and documentaries, solidifying its place in maritime history.
Details
Name | Ocracoke Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | |
Country | United States |
Coordinates | 35.1089784, -75.9860317 |
Website | https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/ols.htm |
Year of construction | 1823 |
Events | listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 |
Historic significance | role in maritime history |
Stories | originally operated by the United States Coast Guard; transfered to the National Park Service in 1955 |
Focal height | 22.8 |
Tower height | 25.9 |
Heritage status | true |
Renovations | major restoration project in the 1990s |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | rocky coast, dunes, island |
AIS Radar | false |
Light characteristic | "flash every 15 seconds" |
Light range | 15 |
Automated | true |