Do you know that North Carolina is famous for some of its oldest, tallest, and smallest lighthouses?While exploring historical monuments, we hardly think of lighthouses. However, the evolution of lighthouses hasn’t failed to amaze the world.The origin of the world’s first lighthouse, known as the Lighthouse of Alexandria or Pharos of Alexandria, dates back to 300-280 BC. Constructed on the island of Pharos in the country of Egypt, this colossal structure stood 450 feet tall (137 m). The spectacular lighthouse also qualified to be one of the tallest, making its way to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Compared with the Ler Banks’ lighthouses, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is the smallest lighthouse in North Carolina. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses still in use. In the US, it ranks after the Bald Head Island Lighthouse. Like all lighthouses, this lighthouse also has a unique story to tell. So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your mind for some thrilling facts about one of the oldest lighthouses in the world.Also, look through these interesting facts about the Lighthouse at Alexandria, Egypt, and St Augustine Lighthouse facts.The History Of Ocracoke LighthouseWhen and why was the first lighthouse constructed? Have you ever spared a moment to think about the history of the lighthouses? Like all other significant monuments, the Ocracoke Lighthouse has its share of history.The first lighthouses were not the same as today’s automated ones. The earliest lighthouses were not even brick and mortar structures. The concept of a lighthouse implied large open fires on the summits of hills. The primitive lighthouse largely depended on a lighted beacon to warn and inform vessels of nearby land. With time, fires from oil lamps and lighted coal were reflected by mirrors. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States. As mentioned earlier, it is the second oldest lighthouse in the nation and the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina that is still operational. Located on the Lighthouse Road, the lighthouse qualifies to be one of the major tourist attraction spots in the Ocracoke Village. The Ocracoke Island of North Carolina served as an important trading port since the time of the Spanish explorers in the 1500s. The Atlantic Ocean located to the east of the lighthouse is its nearest waterbody. In 1794, the richness of the island prompted the construction of a wooden tower shaped like a pyramid on the nearby sandbar of Shell Castle Island. However, the lighthouse failed to hold for long and lasted for less than 20 years due to the shifting channels of Shell Castle Island. For mariners accessing Ocracoke Inlet, the US government purchased a plot of 2 acres (0.80 ha) on the southern end of Ocracoke Island with a price of $50 to build a better lighthouse along with keepers’ quarters. The construction cost of the light station, including both the lighthouse and the keepers’ house, was only $11,359. Initially, the lighthouse was electrified by oil lamps, but eventually, the lighting was improvised to help mariners navigate safely. This sturdy lighthouse was completed in 1823, and from that time onwards, it stood the ravages of time.The Backstory Of Ocracoke LighthouseHow does the Ocracoke Lighthouse still keep standing? Let’s figure out the backstory of its construction.The magnificent Ocracoke Lighthouse standing 75 feet tall (23 m), was constructed by Noah Porter, a Massachusetts architect. The lighthouse comprises 86 steps, but unfortunately, there are restrictions on climbing the steps. The diameter narrows down at its base from 25 ft (7.6 m) onwards, reaching 12 ft (3.7 m) at the summit. The lighthouse walls are built out of solid brick, while the tower exhibits an octagonal lantern where the guiding Ocracoke light beacon was located. The external surface of the lighthouse, colored in white, serves as an identification for the seafarers in the daytime. Interestingly, the actual whitewash mixture was prepared by blending lime, glue, Spanish whiting, rice, boiling water, and salt. The application of the mixture was carried out while it remained hot. A lantern room was added in 1849, and it was in 1854 that the fourth-order Fresnel lens changed places with the old reflector. The newly installed lens enhanced the light reflecting capacity of the lighthouse. This lens was taken apart by the Confederate troops at the outset of the Civil War, but later, in 1864, the Union forces re-installed it.The Tourism Of Ocracoke LighthouseThere is more than one reason to take a tour of the Ocracoke Lighthouse. Read along to know why this lighthouse is so unique.Do you know that the stationary beam of light emitted by the Ocracoke Lighthouse can be spotted from as far as 20 mi (32 km)? This lighthouse is pretty different from a stereotypical modern-day one as it doesn’t have crowds thronging around museums or quirky shops. Then why do tourists from all over the world drop in if none of these can be found in the vicinity? Well, the lighthouse is unique for its historical significance. Climbing is forbidden to maintain the safety of the visitors while also preserving the historic structure. Ascending the steps of the spiral staircase can be risky. Ferries carry passengers from the Swan Quarter and Cedar Island to Ocracoke Island. The grounds of the light station are open to the strollers and bikers. Souvenirs and memorabilia can be collected from the local shops of Ocracoke Island. There’s also a parking spot with limited vacancies. Once you’re done visiting the Ocracoke Lighthouse on Lighthouse Road, you can head towards the Currituck Beach Lighthouse or the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse situated on the Hatteras Island in North Carolina.Nevertheless, the shoal-ridden inlet remains unpredictable.Hidden Facts About The Ocracoke LighthouseHere are some lesser-known facts about this historical lighthouse of North Carolina.A few centuries after its discovery, the Ocracoke Inlet proved to be among the busiest shipping routes of the East Coast. The Ocracoke Inlet served as the most rewarding navigable waterway as it provided direct access to inland ports like Elizabeth City, Edenton, and New Bern. Are you aware that Ocracoke Island was renowned for frequent pirate invasions? The most famous pirate to seek refuge on the island was Blackbeard. This light station aided the residents by offering a safe haven in times of turbulence like hurricanes. Apart from the lighthouse duties, the lighthouse keepers engaged in hunting, fishing, gardening, and raising livestock, but post-automation, their roles didn’t require residential keeping. Currently, the United States Coast Guard is responsible for maintaining the lighthouse and the functioning of the Ocracoke light.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Ocracoke Lighthouse facts, then why not take a look at fun facts about lighthouses or Oak Island Lighthouse facts.
Do you know that North Carolina is famous for some of its oldest, tallest, and smallest lighthouses?
