through Ocracoke Inlet. Ocracoke Inlet was the only reasonably navigable waterway for ships accessing inland ports. Ocracoke Village, then known as Pilot Town, developed as a result of the inlet’s use. Pilots, hired to steer ships safely through the shifting channels to mainland ports, settled the village in the 1730s. In 1794, a wooden, pyramid-shaped tower was completed. Unfortunately, the lighthouse, a great blessing to mariners, was obsolete in less than 20 years due to the migration of the main channel. On May 7, 1822, Congress authorized $20,000 for the construction of a lighthouse at the south end of Ocracoke. The lighthouse, along with a keeper’s quarters, was completed by December 1822. Ocracoke Lighthouse was first lit on August 15, 1824. During hurricanes, the light station served as a place of refuge for some local residents. Situated on higher ground, the complex often remained above flood waters. Villagers, sometimes arriving by boats which navigated inundated roadways, waited out the storm in the keepers’ home. 5. Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Harkers Island The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is most recognized for its large black-and-white diamond design. Originally rejected by 19th century mariners, the structure was later used as the model for future Outer Banks lighthouses. It’s the southernmost lighthouse on the Crystal Coast along the Outer Banks and is only accessible by private boat or ferry. Cape Lookout National Seashore offers 56 miles of enticing, undeveloped beach sand, accessible only by boat. The crowned jewel of the area is Cape Lookout Lighthouse. This lighthouse is the only such structure in the United States to bear the checkered daymark, intended not only for differentiation between similar light towers, but also to show direction. The center of the black diamonds points in a north-south direction, while the center of the white diamonds points east- west. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse flashes every 15 seconds and is visible at least 12 miles out to sea and up to 19 miles. It is one of the very few lighthouses that operate during the day. The first lighthouse at Cape Lookout was completed and lit in 1812; however, it proved to be too short to light the treacherous Lookout Shoals, which were nicknamed the “Horrible Headland.” The present lighthouse was completed and lit on November 1, 1859, at a cost of $45,000.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse, credit Priscilla Burgers
COASTAL GUARDIANS
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025 | 31
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