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https://www.nps.gov/calo/learn/historyculture/lhouse_timeline.htm

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https://www.nps.gov/calo/learn/historyculture/1859lh.htm

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Cape lookout lighthouse

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https://www.nps.gov/calo/learn/kidsyouth/upload/Cape-Lookout-Lighthouse-for-Kids_FINAL.pdf

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Cape Lookout Lighthouse - OuterBanks.com

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Accessible only by a privately owned boat or ferry, the lighthouse may be a little hard to reach, but the ensuing landscape is well worth the trip. With beautifully undeveloped beaches in every direction, and panoramic views from the top of the 163' ft.

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http://lighthousefriends.com/index.html

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Scroll down to "lighthouses"

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Information on Bodie Island Lighthouse, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

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Would you ever believe that a natural barrier island of the Atlantic Coast could influence a town eleven miles away? Beaufort is the third oldest town in the state of North Carolina, and its rich history has been preserved to this day. This preservation is largely in thanks to the island of Cape Lookout, and the tourism that it has brought to Beaufort and the Carteret county area. Cape Lookout has not only made an impact on Beaufort today, but also influenced Beaufort's history, especially its development and population.

Beaufort was established in 1709 by John Lawson on the site of the Coree Indian Village called Cwarioc, which means "fish village." The population was scare at the beginning of the town's establishment, with only about thirty lots in the 1730s. Although the town was seen as being "small and thinly inhabited" (Wilson 53), settlers found Beaufort appealing, as it has easy access to sounds, rivers, creeks and the ocean for many seafood sources. The population was also positively impacted by the knowledge that settlers had of Cape Lookout. They saw the natural barrier island as a potential major Atlantic coast seaport. Thanks to the protection of Cape Lookout, there was substantial growth in the 1740s (Wilson).

In the 1740s, the coastal towns of North Carolina had to protect themselves from the Spanish privateers, who were taking ships coming into the port of the Ocracoke Inlet and stealing cattle from the colonists. The Spanish gained possession of Beaufort from August of 1747 to September of the same year and after they lost possession of it, they remained persistent and attacked the southern coast the following summer. This Spanish invasion led Governor Arthur Dobbs to build a fort on Cape Lookout in 1755. Pirates had used this island in the past to collect wood and replenish their water, meat and fish. It was also seen as a safe place during treacherous ocean storms. (Wilson 63). The Governor decided that it would be a perfect place for guardships to be able to get to the ocean at rapid speed if necessary, and for them to rest and rejuvenate in the mean time. The excellent protection that the island gave Beaufort, allowed the town to gain around thirty more lots, thereby doubling its population.

In the 1800s, shipping was essential for commercial transportation, as there were few roads, and railroads did not come into the picture until the 1850's. The vessels that ran along the east coast, came across hazardous shoals that stretched for over ten miles, and they were not able to sail close to the shore. In 1812, a lighthouse was built on Cape Lookout, the first of many lighthouses that would be built along the Outerbanks. The lighthouses along the Outerbanks would be built forty miles apart so that once a boat loses sight of one light another would be almost visible. The original Cape Lookout lighthouse was a ninety-six foot wooden structure, painted with a red and white striped design (Friends of Cape Lookout National Seashore). It did not last very long, as the tower was too low and the light was only visible eleven miles away, when it should have been visible eighteen miles away. In 1856, the government attempted to enhance the light so that the mariners would have a safer journey along the waters of the Outerbanks. The government installed a "Fresnel lens utilizing a 'wick and chimney' lamp with five wicks" (Friends of Cape Lookout National Seashore), which resolved the lighting issue, but the tower was not tall enough (Friends of Cape Lookout National Seashore). One year later, Congress gave 45,000 dollars to build another lighthouse. On November 1, 1859 a new lighthouse was built, one which shined much brighter than the other. It was 163 feet tall, had a twenty-eight feet diameter, and had nine-foot thick walls. This new sturdy structure not only served the purpose of guiding ships throughout the ocean, but it also served to be an example for the other lighthouses of Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, and Currituck Beach along the Outerbanks (Lighthousefriends). This was the same year that North Carolina joined the Confederacy and Cape Lookout became a battle ground for the Confederates and Union forces. Josiah Fisher Bell was the collector at Beaufort and a Confederate in Secret Service, and he learned that the Union forces were going to take over the lighthouses at Cape Lookout. He plotted a way for troops to blow up the federals, and in the end, the new lighthouse only suffered damage to its lens and lantern (Wilson 108). During this time, Cape Lookout was a place where North Carolinians could prove their power and freedom against the union forces. Soon after the battle, Congress gave 20,000 dollars, so that the lighthouse would be repaired.

In 1873, the lighthouse board decided that bold designs should be painted on four lighthouses along the Outerbanks so that they would be easily seen and distinguishable. The Cape Lookout lighthouse was given a black and white checkered diamond pattern in order to stand out. In 1950, the lighthouse had an electric light and had a "sun sensor" to turn the beacon off and on, and there was no need for lighthouse keeper. In 1886, Cape Lookout took on another role in the east coast waters. A lifesaving station was built in order for fisherman to find shelter during dangerous high tides and storms. In this station, there was a lifesaving crew that would attend to emergency situations, which would be joined by many fishermen during dangerous tides, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms. At one point in time, fifty fishermen took refuge in this station in order to ride out a storm. This station was successful in protecting men from danger, so that they would be able to provide for their families and remain economically stable. The lifesaving station was not the only advancement on the island during this time. In 1905 motor powered boats made for swift travel from the island, to Harker's Island and Beaufort. Although there had been a few inhabitants on the island, that soon changed after they were able to travel to different towns and see the benefits of living in those areas (Friends of Cape Lookout National Seashore). Although no one lives on Cape Lookout today, many tourists are able to take in its beauty that is rooted in history each day.

Today the lighthouse and the island have been preserved by the Friends of Cape Lookout National Seashore. This organization has brought tourism to the Carteret county area, as millions people have been attracted to the dunes, marshes and beauty of the beach over the past thirty years. Each day, tourists enjoy fishing, watching wild horses roam the island, dolphin watching, surfing, boating, and the ability to take in the islands rich history. Those tourists, who visit Beaufort, are able to not only tour the town, but can hop a ferry and cruise to the island (Friends of Cape Lookout National Seashore). To this day, Cape Lookout continues to positively influence the economic stability of Beaufort and the Carteret County area.

Cape Lookout has made an impact on Beaufort and the Carteret County area for over three hundred years. In the 1700s, the natural barrier island assisted the economic and population growth of Beaufort, as it brought more settlers to the area, through its easy access to seafood. The island was also a protective shield for fisherman and sailors who were important economic producers. The lighthouse provided safety for sailors, as the ships were able to sail smoothly down the East Coast, and the Lifesaving station provided shelter for fisherman in treacherous storms. Today, Cape Lookout has assisted economic and population growth in the Carteret County area through tourism. Cape Lookout will maintain its positive influence as long as tourists continue to appreciate the beauty and rich history of the island.

"Cape Lookout, North Carolina." Lighthousefriends.com.2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2011 http://lighthousefriends.com/

"History." Friends of Cape Lookout National Seashore. 2008. Web. 16 March. 2011 http://www.friendsofcapelookout.com/

Paul, Charles L. "Beaufort as a Colonial Town." The North Carolina Historical Review Oct. 1970: 370-387. Print.

Wilson, Mamre M. Beaufort, North Carolina. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing, 2002. Print.
About the Author Macon Cornick is a first year student at UNC Chapel Hill. She grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and has grown up going to the beach in the Carteret County area for most of her life. She has fond memories of eating at delicious restaurants and shopping in Beaufort and spending the whole day on the island of Cape Lookout in the summers. She has been able to enjoy the rich history of the area, and hopes you will visit the beautiful coast of North Carolina as well.
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Would you ever believe that a natural barrier island of the Atlantic Coast could influence a town eleven miles away? Beaufort is the third oldest town in the state of North Carolina, and its rich history has been preserved to this day.

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Oak Island Lighthouse, North Carolina Lighthouses, photographs, pictures, history, location, visitor information, maps, description, hotels, Lighthousefriends.com

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Editors note: This is the sixth story in a series about North Carolinas iconic lighthouses.

Editors note: This is the sixth story in a series about North Carolinas iconic lighthouses.

CASWELL BEACH | Oak Island Lighthouse is the ugliest of seven sisters. The first time I saw her, all I could think of was a giant PVC pipe stuck in the ground. But a longer examination brings out the beauty of this, the newest traditional lighthouse on North Carolinas coast.

I put traditional in quotes because that word pushes the issue a bit. Oak Island is a transition a hybrid a bit of old-style technology melded with new.

Oak Island is young, younger than me. Her impressive foundation was driven and laid when I was toddling navigating my terrible twos and doubtless driving my parents nuts, back in 1958.

She was built to replace the even ganglier 1903 Cape Fear Lighthouse that was built, itself, to replace the ancient, octagonal-tower Old Baldy Lighthouse (1818). The 1903 structure was an oddity with its lantern room and gallery built atop a steel-legged structure with no skin. The central stairway wound up a narrow, enclosed shaft within the legs.

Its a shame they dynamited that one after Oak Island was lit: the southern tip of North Carolina could then have displayed its three most unique lighthouse styles.

The strangest thing about viewing Oak Island is its rigidly perpendicular form. Unlike our other lighthouses it doesnt start with a wide base that narrows as it rises, nor does it feature the typical brick walls that start with a thickness of three feet or more before thinning as they rise.

Instead, the Oak Island light was poured.

While older lighthouses were often built on foundations of pine, soaked in fresh water to preserve them, the modern architects of Oak Island who, by the way, were makers of silos decided to take no chances and drove 24 concrete-filled pilings 67 feet into the ground.

A form was used, then, to pour a circular concrete wall, just 8 inches thick. To build this tower, a concrete mixing plant was set up onsite so that the pouring could take place 24 hours a day, for seven days. As the concrete was poured, the form was raised one foot every hour.

The lighthouses colors, gray then white then black, were mixed into the concrete itself so that it never requires painting.

The main tower itself stands just 128 feet tall, but the added-on observation deck and lantern room brings the lighthouse to a height of 153. Built on a rise, the lantern is 169 feet above sea level.

That lantern room, by the way, was set in place by three Marine helicopters, one carrying the room on a winch and the others helping guide its accurate placement.

Inside is the freaky part: to save money, and possibly because it was originally run by the Coast Guard, full of sailors who actually like this kind of thing, Oak Island dispensed with traditional stairs. Instead it has a series of ships ladders running to the top.

A ships ladder is not quite a ladder and not quite stairs. It climbs upward, in this case for 134 steps, in a steeply-inclined manner up the middle of the open shaft. If you are ever visited by the fear of heights, this will definitely give you the willies going up. Guides require you to have two hands on the railing at all times.

Sold by the Coast Guard to the town of Caswell beach in 2004 for a dollar, this lighthouse is full of unique facts and features. The thinnest walls, for instance. The straightest walls, the freaky but fun stairs, and a service elevator (not designed for human weight) that carries work items up the shaft.

Unlike all the other lighthouses, the climb is free of charge and doesnt end when the kids go back to school. But youve got to plan ahead: the Friends of Oak Island Lighthouse, who administer the structure, require you to make your reservations at least two weeks in advance.

During the summer these tours are held Tuesday and Thursday mornings, except on major holidays. Climbers have to be at least 9 years of age and everyone must wear sneakers.

Gift shop items can be purchased inside the shop is more like a roadside stand than an actual store with T-shirts and other mementos kept in a storage closet on the floor of the 16-and-a-half foot tower.

Other things to do?

Caswell Beach is a typical coastal, vacation town.

Nature preserves are about, such as Bird Island, the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve and the Green Swamp Preserve.

A few miles north of the town is the old Brunswick Town site, a colonial town where governors lived before they started living in New Bern. Not taking kindly to our revolution, the British burned the town in 1776 and it was never rebuilt; in 1861 the Confederates built Fort Anderson there. You can visit the remains of some buildings as well as the forts earthworks.

Quick facts

Completed: 1958

Daymark: Three horizontal stripes from bottom: Gray, then white, then black

Light pattern: Four one-second flashes every 10 seconds

Visibility: 24 miles

Height: 153 feet

Focal plain: 169 feet

Oak Island Lighthouse, whose beacon warns sailors from the Frying Pan Shoals, is the brightest lighthouse light in the United States

Visit OakIslandLighthouse.org

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Oak Island, brightest lighthouse in U.S.

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Editors note: This is the sixth story in a series about North Carolinas iconic lighthouses. Editors note: This is the sixth story in a series about North Carolinas iconic lighthouses. CASWELL BEACH | Oak Island Lighthouse is the ugliest of seven sisters.

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https://www.visitnc.com/listing/old-baldy-lighthouse-smith-island-museum-of-history

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Carolina lights

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CarolinaOuterBanks.com - Cape Lookout Lighthouse

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Outer Banks guide, shipwreck, lighthouse, Blackbeard, wild horses, wild ponies, Graveyard of the Atlantic, Jockeys Ridge, Cape, Hatteras, Lookout, Bodie Island, Currituck, Corolla, Nags Head, Buxton, Ocracoke, birding, birdwatching, swans, geese, ducks, wild horses, shackleford banks, carova, currituck, wildlife preserve, adventure, bird photography, nature photography, wildlife photography

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Bodie Island Lighthouse - OuterBanks.com

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Luckily, the old adage "third time's a charm" proved true, and a third lighthouse was planned and began construction in 1871. This lighthouse was moved further North and further inland to a 15 acre site, and was nearly double the height of its predecessors.

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The Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958 at a total cost of $110,000.00. The lights are 169 feet above the water. A misconception is that the lighthouse itself is 169 feet tall. The actual structure is 153 feet tall, but it stands on a slight rise. Therefore, the height of the light above the water is 169 feet, and it is so reported on nautical charts. There is no spiral staircase as found in most older lighthouses, but instead a series of ships ladders with a total of 131 steps to the lantern gallery level.

The base is set upon 24 concrete-filled steel pilings 10 3/4 inches in diameter and 67 feet deep. The pilings are capped by a 30 foot wide by 3 foot deep octagonal concrete base upon which the tower structure was built. The main tower is 128 feet tall, built of monolithic reinforced concrete. It was poured continuously into a movable form that was raised by jacks at the rate of one foot per hour. To accomplish this task a concrete mixing plant was set up on the site to allow for the continuous 24 hour a day operation for 7 days. The tower has a uniform inside diameter of 16 feet 4 3/4 inches. The wall is 8 inches thick, and the three stripe color pattern is permanently cast into the concrete.

To establish a color for each section the first forty feet is the natural gray of Portland cement. The next fifty feet was poured with white Portland cement and white quartz aggregate for the white color. The top fifty two feet is a gray Portland cement with black coloring. The smaller diameter concrete section at the top was formed with stationary metal forms after the top floor was poured. Windows in the tower were constructed of stainless steel but sashes have been replace with vinyl. The 11 foot tall aluminum lantern housing was installed by Marine Corps helicopters. Total height of the structure above the foundation slab is 153 feet.

The characteristic flashing pattern for the light is four one-second flashes every 10 seconds. The lighting apparatus in the Oak Island Lighthouse is made up of 8 aero beacon lighting fixtures, 4 on top and 4 on the bottom. When first activated in 1958, the lower bank used carbon-arc mercury lamps in 36-inch reflectors. These reflectors with their housings were adapted from aircraft spotlights used in World War II. When these lamps were in use the Oak Island light was the brightest in the US and second brightest in the world. When the upper bank of lights, using 24 inch reflectors and 1000 watt incandecent bulbs became the primary beacon in 1962, the 36 inch bottom lights were decomissioned and the lighthouse lost that distinction. In April of 2010, all of the electrical supply lines, conduit, boxes, plugs and wiring were updated to conform to current codes and new 1000 watt halogen bulbs replaced the 1000 watt incandescent bulbs.

The Oak Island light is located on property that has been in use as a US Coast Guard station since the 1930s, and prior to that it was a US Lifesaving Station. The current Coast Guard station was recently reconstructed after a fire completely destroyed the ten-year-old building in 2002. The new station house is built over the footprint of the lost station, and closely resembles the older station.

In 2004 the lighthouse and the surrounding property were deeded to the Town of Caswell Beach along with adjacent beachfront property. While the Coast Guard has retained responsibility for the upkeep of the lights, Caswell Beach now has responsibility for maintenance of the lighthouse and the grounds. The town has made provisions for additional parking as well as providing access to the lighthouse grounds and a boardwalk access to the beach with an observation deck. During the summer of 2006, the Friends of Oak Island Lighthouse began assembling volunteers and providing visitors the opportunity to tour the tower.

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The Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958 at a total cost of $110,000.00. The lights are 169 feet above the water. A misconception is that the lighthouse itself is 169 feet tall. The actual structure is 153 feet tall, but it stands on a slight rise.

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NC Lighthouses- Coastal Lights VS. Harbor Lights

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NC Lighthouses- Coastal Lights VS. Harbor Lights

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Outer Banks Lighthouses - OuterBanks.com

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Vacationers adore the Outer Banks for its unspoiled stretches of undeveloped shoreline, and some may not initially realize that this sporadic lack of development is completely intentional, and is the result of decades of careful environmental planning.

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Bald Head Lighthouse, North Carolina Lighthouses, photographs, pictures, history, location, visitor information, maps, description, hotels, Lighthousefriends.com

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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - OuterBanks.com

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Considered one of Hatteras Island's biggest attractions, over 175,000 visitors come to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse every year to climb the 257 steps to the top. But don't let those large numbers of tourists scare you - Hatteras Island, and subsequently the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, is known for being unpopulated and uncrowded, even in the height of summer, making it a very attractive destination for Outer Banks vacationers.

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Lighthouses in NC- Activities and Information

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Currituck Beach Lighthouse | Outer Banks North Carolina

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On December 1, 1875 the beacon of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse filled the remaining

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Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke Lighthouses

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Cape Lookout National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

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A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there's something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.