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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

NameOcracoke Lighthouse
City
CountryUnited States
Coordinates35.1089784, -75.9860317
Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/ols.htm
Year of construction1823
Eventslisted on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990
Historic significancerole in maritime history
Storiesoriginally operated by the United States Coast Guard; transfered to the National Park Service in 1955
Focal height22.8
Tower height25.9
Heritage statustrue
Renovationsmajor restoration project in the 1990s
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast, dunes, island
AIS Radarfalse
Light characteristic"flash every 15 seconds"
Light range15
Automatedtrue