Ocracoke Lighthouse

The Ocracoke Lighthouse was built on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, in 1823 by Massachusetts builder Noah Porter.

History

The lighthouse stands at a height of 75 feet (23 m) and is the oldest operating light station in North Carolina.
In 1864, Confederate troops dismantled the fourth-order Fresnel Lens, but Union forces later restored it.
Ocracoke Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as Ocracoke Light Station.

Architecture

The lighthouse is a masonry structure with a diameter that narrows from 25 feet (7.6 m) at the base to 12 feet (3.7 m) at its peak.

The original staircase was a wooden step spiral built into the inside of the exterior wall, but it was removed in the 1950s due to excessive rotting and lack of necessity for a substantial staircase with automation.

Light Characteristics

Ocracoke Light emits a white light that can be seen from 15 nautical miles (28 km) away.

The light's character is an F, indicating it is a fixed light with a rotating optic.
The lighthouse was originally equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel Lens, which was later dismantled and restored by Union forces in 1864.

Current Status

Ocracoke Lighthouse is no longer actively manned, but it remains an important aid to navigation.

The lighthouse has been automated since 1955, and visitors may access the base of the lighthouse during the summer months when a U.S. National Park Ranger is on duty.

Location

The Ocracoke Lighthouse is located at Lighthouse Road 360 in Hyde County, North Carolina.

The lighthouse stands on Ocracoke Island, which is accessible by ferry from Hatteras or Ocracoke Village.

Heritage Status

Ocracoke Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as Ocracoke Light Station.

The lighthouse is also listed on the National Park Service's list of historic sites and is considered a significant landmark in North Carolina.

Notable Historical Events

In 1864, Confederate troops dismantled the fourth-order Fresnel Lens during the American Civil War.

Union forces later restored it, ensuring that the light remained operational throughout the conflict.
Today, Ocracoke Lighthouse remains an important aid to navigation, guiding mariners safely through Ocracoke Inlet into Pamlico Sound.

Architecture

The lighthouse has undergone several restorations over the years, including the replacement of the original Fresnel Lens.

Today, the lighthouse is automated and no longer requires manual operation.