BALD HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

The first lighthouse on North Carolina's Outer Banks, Bald Head Lighthouse was built to mark the Bald Head Shoals.

One of the North Carolina facts you may not know is that along the island, the dunes became worn down and looked like a bald head, and that's how it became known as "old Baldy".

The lighthouse stands on the point of the treacherous waters, where you can view on a map of North Carolina 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 beaches in North Carolina.

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.

The good news...you can still climb the tower!

It's a great vacation spot for families to visit, along with the other North Carolina lighthouses, such as the oak island lighthouse, the Currituck lighthouse, Bodie Island lighthouse, Cape Hatteras lighthouse, Cape Lookout lighthouse, Oak Island lighthouse, and the Prices Creek lighthouse.

In order to see this historic lighthouse you have to understand there is one way to get here.

By boat!

Is it worth it?

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!

Lighthouses of the Carolinas: A Short History and Guide


Talk about a place that gives you peace!

Come here to reflect and play!

Explore...

and rest.

For some great information about the North Carolina Lighthouses check out our The best North Carolina books page.

Lighthouses aren't the only way to chart your course. A homebased business can get you on a new path as well. Start on your path here.

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