Ocracoke Lighthouse

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OCRACOKE LIGHTHOUSE

We loved visiting the Ocracoke Lighthouse!

We had a perfect day when we came to see this lighthouse. As a lighthouse buff, I enjoy learning all I can about the history of each lighthouse. The fact that this is the oldest one in operation gave me a lot to think about.

All the adventures at sea...it really get the imagination rolling.

Ocracoke Lighthouse sits on the Island's highest spots, yet it is the shortest of all the North Carolina lighthouses. It is also the oldest still in operation, having been built in 1823.

Many people want to dispute this, arguing that Bald Head Lighthouse is the oldest, and that is true, but they don't take it into consideration that the Ocracoke has operated continuously where Bald Head is no longer active.

Ocracoke Island is accessible only by air and water. It's located on one of the barrier islands of the Outer Banks North Carolina where Blackbeard, Yes, the Pirate, once hung out!

... or was he hiding out?

Having survived many, many hurricanes, the worst one on record is the hurricane of 1944 when water flooded the entire island and with some reporting in excess of twenty-five inches of water in their homes!

The lighthouse was automated in 1946 and still guides ships between Ocracoke and Portsmouth Islands today.

Unfortunately, is not open to the public.

But come anyway! Just down the street there is an adorable general store where you can buy gifts and memorabilia.

...and if you go a little further, there's a guy selling watermelon!

The best way to see the island is either by foot or on a bicycle!

Yes, I did say bicycle.

You can also rent a kayak and have a guide take you on a tour or if you are the adventurous type, explore on your own.

But don't let that stop you from visiting Ocracoke Island, there is plenty to see and do!