CURRITUCK LIGHTHOUSE

The beautiful Currituck Lighthouse

If you like North Carolina lighthouses, you'll want to tour all of the ones here in North Carolina. We loved our visit to Currituck lighthouse. As a matter of fact, we loved seeing all the lighthouses! There is just something about it. The history, romance, and adventure make it a great vacation spot!

The lighthouse sits in the most northern corner of North Carolina, located in the village of Corolla along the Outer Banks.

Although the other lighthouses along the North Carolina Coast have all be painted, Currituck stands out because of it's natural brick appearance. Most people don't know about the most interesting North Carolina facts!

It was because so many ships became victims of the treacherous waters in this area that the lighthouse was not an option but a necessity.

It was lit on December 1, 1875 and to look at it, you would be amazed at just how many bricks were used to create this beautiful lighthouse.

It is an amazing looking lighthouse and the best part is...it's open to the public!

For us, that means we have the opportunity to walk the breathtaking grounds, or for a nominal fee, climb to the top and check out the amazing views!

Be sure to call to see if you will be visiting during the time when you can climb!

We were glad, too! It's quite a hike so be sure to wear you sneakers.

There is a keepers residence that is now a museum and gift shop, so bring some money to buy Souvenirs!

You will want to remember this trip!

Did I mention that this Currituck Beach Lighthouse is automated? It was automated in 1939 and at that time the keepers were no longer needed to keep up the duties they were there for, such as cleaning lenses, trimming wicks and fueling the lamps, as well as some of the other duties they tended to.

Lighthouse Facts

Number of steps: 214 Height to focal plane of lens: 158 feet Height to top of roof: 162 feet Number of bricks: approximately one million Thickness of wall at base: 5 feet 8 inches Thickness of wall at parapet: 3 feet

Position: 34 miles south of the Cape Henry (Virginia) Lighthouse 32 1/2 miles north-northwest of Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Like the other lighthouses on North Carolina's Outer Banks, this one still serves as an aid to navigation. The beacon comes on automatically every evening at dusk and ceases at dawn.

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