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Bodie Island Lighthouse

8180 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA

Name and Location

Bodie Island Lighthouse Located at 8180 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA

Construction and History

The Bodie Island Lighthouse was built in 1872 to guide mariners through the treacherous waters off North Carolina's Outer Banks. The original structure took over two years to complete and has undergone several renovations and restorations throughout its history, including a major restoration in 2000.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands tall at an impressive height of 48 feet (14.6 meters) and features a conical shape with a white tower and black lantern.

Light and Navigation

The Bodie Island Lighthouse emits a characteristic light sequence: Fl (2.5 seconds flash), W (15 seconds white light), Fl (2.5 seconds flash), and W (17.5 seconds white light). This distinctive pattern helps mariners identify the lighthouse's location.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, which offer stunning views of the surrounding coastline and ocean. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public due to its fragile nature and historical significance.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse grounds offer stunning views of the surrounding coastline and ocean.

Technical and Operational Details

Until 2019, the Bodie Island Lighthouse was manned by a keeper, responsible for maintaining the light and fog signal. In recent years, the lighthouse has been automated to ensure continuous operation.

Further Information

  • The Bodie Island Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#03000607) as a notable example of maritime architecture.
  • It is also recognized as a significant cultural resource by the National Park Service.

Details

NameBodie Island Lighthouse
CityNags Head
CountryUsa
Coordinates35.8185578, -75.5633084
Year of construction1872
Eventsshipwrecks, rescues
ArchitectMajor George T. Stevens
Tower height14.6
Heritage statustrue
Renovations2000
Accessibletrue
Parkingtrue
Landscape typerocky coast, dunes, island
View descriptionstunning views of the surrounding coastline and ocean
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Nearby attractionsCape Hatteras National Seashore Visitor Center, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Outer Banks
AIS Radarfalse
Light characteristicFl (2.5 seconds flash), W (15 seconds white light), Fl (2.5 seconds flash), and W (17.5 seconds white light)
Automatedtrue