BALD HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
The first lighthouse on North Carolina's Outer Banks, Bald Head Lighthouse was built to mark the Bald Head Shoals. It is also known as "old Baldy" because of the way the dunes looked that stood out as a reference point for men at sea. The lighthouse stands on the point of the treacherous waters along the Outer Banks called the Graveyard of the Atlantic which marks the way for ships heading into the Cape Fear River. It was built in 1818 and yes, it does replace an even older structure. The first of which had been built in 1796 and had been destroyed by erosion of the beach.
The lighthouse that stands today is 109 feet tall and is an octagonal tower made of brick and cement. In 1935 it was decommissioned due to shifting shoals which made it obsolete.
By boat!
You bet it is. Although if you are used to traveling by car, you might want to make other plans. Only bikes, skates, golf carts, and your own feet are going to get you around here. But by leaving your car behind, you also leave the exhaust, horns, and traffic as well!
For some great information about the North Carolina Lighthouses check out our
The best North Carolina books page.
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