History
Ocracoke Island, once home to Blackbeard the Pirate, is also the home of the oldest operational lighthouse in North Carolina and the second oldest operational lighthouse in the nation. Originally built on Shell Island in the Ocracoke Inlet in 1798, the Ocracoke Lighthouse served as a navigational aid for one of the busiest channels in the United States. During the 1700's, the Ocracoke Inlet was the only waterway available to ships trying to reach inland ports such as Elizabeth City, New Bern and Edenton. 
Unfortunately, the main channel soon shifted and the new lighthouse became obsolete less than 30 years after it was built. In 1818, the 55' tall wooden structure was struck by lighting and burnt to the ground. Five years later, in 1823, a new lighthouse opened on Ocracoke Island. The new lighthouse stood 75' tall and was constructed of brick. As a distinguishing characteristic, the exterior of the lighthouse was painted white. The original whitewash used to coat the structure was actually a concoction of lime, salt, rice, Spanish whiting, glue and boiling water!
In 1894, a Fourth Order Fresnal Lens was installed and the light is still operational today. Visible for 14 nautical miles, the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse does not have a flash pattern; rather it illuminates a steady white light from dusk until dawn.
Ocracoke Island is only accessible by ferry. The state of North Carolina operates a free ferry that leaves every half hour from Hatteras Island. While the lighthouse is not open for climbing, the base of the lighthouse is often open for visitors to step inside and look at this national treasure.
Facts
The lighthouse cost $11,359 to build Ocracoke Island was Blackbeard's hideout The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse is 75' tall The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse was built by Noah Porter in 1823 The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse is the second oldest operational lighthouse in the nation
Places of Interest
The National Park Service's Ocracoke Island Lighthouse Website
Night Beacon's Ocracoke Lighthouse Page
Carolina Lights Ocracoke Lighthouse Page
