NC - Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

We came to the Outer Banks for one reason this time, to be a passporter. This being said, we were dealing with the remains of Tropical Storm Julia, which dumped several inches of rain to the north of the Outer Banks. We drove in rain all the way from Pennsylvania the day before and were ready to do some exploring.In the hotel, we watched the forecast for the day and it looked as the rainfall was to be south of the OBX, but today we focused on the Northern Beaches/ Bodie Island. We started the morning at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the northernmost of the Outer Banks Lighthouses.

When we arrived we used the comfort facility that is located across the parking lot from the lighthouse complex. As you enter the complex, pedestrian traffic follows a circular pattern, in order to keep foot traffic off the grass as this owned by a non-profit entity. Anyway, you start this walking tour by visiting some outbuildings such as the privy and other facets of lighthouses of the early days on the barrier Islands. OBC worked with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources to restore the smaller dwelling on the north side of the complex. This house was  moved to the site in 1920 as a residence for a third keeper and his family. The structure is now open from Easter through Thanksgiving as a Museum Shop offering models of Outer Banks lighthouses, books, clothing and other lighthouse related items.

 We stopped in the museum shop, which is best described as cramped. It is a small 2 story cottage filled tot he nooks and crannies with souviners, including US Lighthouse Society Passports. We bought some postcards and when we paid we inquired as to where to do the stamp thing. The cashier told us to go to the base of the lighthouse and we would not be required to pay for the stamp if we didn't climb (which with the remains of TS Julie, it was evident we weren't although there were ones who did.) 

After completing our purchase, we proceeded to the base and as prescribed, we did the stamp thing. On the way out we seen the Light Keeper's Quarters. 

Lighthouse Synopsis

As it had reported in previous years, the U.S. Light-House Board in 1872 stated that ships, cargoes, and lives continued to be lost along the 40 miles of dark coastline that lay beyond the reaches of existing lighthouses. Southbound ships sailing closer to shore to avoid the Gulf Stream were especially in danger. In response, construction began on the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in 1873 with completion two years later.

On December 1, 1875 the beacon of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse filled the remaining “dark space” on the North Carolina coast between the Cape Henry light to the north and Bodie Island to the south. To distinguish the Currituck Beach Lighthouse from other regional lighthouses, its exterior was left unpainted and gives today’s visitor a sense of the multitude of bricks used to form the structure. The lighthouse was automated in 1939 when the United States Coast Guard assumed the duties of the Bureau of Lighthouses. From a height of 158 feet above sea level, the night beacon still flashes at 20-second intervals to warn ships hugging the chain of barrier islands along the coast.

Lighthouse Information

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is known as a first order lighthouse, which means it has the largest of seven Fresnel lens sizes. The original source of light was  lard oil burned in a lamp consisting of four concentric wicks. By 1884 the lighthouse was using Mineral Oil as its fuel source and would until 1933 when the light was electrified.

Before the advent of electricity, a mechanical means was required to rotate the huge lenses that made the light appear to flash. A system of weights suspended from a line powered a clockwork mechanism beneath the lantern–much like the workings of a grandfather clock. The keeper cranked the weights up by hand every two and a half hours.

2018 Season

MARCH 17th – DECEMBER 1st

Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Weather Permitting

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the lighthouse and grounds will remain open on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving Day.

Admission to grounds and parking are free.

Admission $10 to climb lighthouse tower (fee includes NC sales tax). Children 7 & under climb free with an adult. No height restrictions for climbing lighthouse. 70% of the admission fee is deductible as a charitable contribution. **Important to note: Drones may not be launched or flown on or over any part of the Currituck Beach Light Station**

Passport Information

Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Stamp located at the lighthouse1101 Corolla Village Road
P.O. Box 58
Corolla, NC 27927.
252-453-4939. 
Stamp available by mail with SASE and donation.  Sells passports.
Website:  www.currituckbeachlight.com
Email:  info@currituckbeachlight.com