bodie island lighthouse height

Height to top of roof: 162 feet (49 m) Number of bricks: one million; Thickness of wall at base: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) Thickness of wall at parapet: 3 feet (0.91 m) Position: 34 miles (55 km) south of the Cape Henry (Virginia) Lighthouse; 32 1 ⁄ 2 miles (52.3 km) north-northwest of Bodie Island Lighthouse This is the year that a lighthouse was first reported in the vicinity or at that location. The keeper's duplex has been restored several times over the years and currently serves as a visitor's center which houses exhibits, rest rooms, and a gift shop. As was common in the day, the rotation of the Lewis lamps and reflectors was via a weight-powered mechanism very similar to a grandfather clock. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Any questions or comments, please email me. Bodie Island is open to the public and visitors can make the climb for a small fee. On account of the high cost of construction, due to the isolated location of the station, it has been found difficult to prepare plans for a suitable building which will come within the authorized limit of cost. However, it was deactivated as an aid to navigation in 1902. BODIE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE FACTS HEIGHT: 156 Feet HEIGHT OF STRIPES: 22 Feet STAIRS: 214 LIGHT PATTERN: 2.5 seconds on, 2.5 off, 2.5 on, 22.5 off 156 feet tall with a first-order Fresnel lens exceeding an 18 mile range, the third Bodie Island Lighthouse exhibited its light for the first time on October 1, 1872, operating under a series of primary and assistant keepers for decades. The first-order Fresnel, fabricated by Barbier and Fenestre of Paris, was outfitted in the lantern, and allowed the tower to cast its beam nineteen miles out to sea. The inlet near Nag's Head eventually closed up as well making Bodie Island a peninsula. Bodie Island Lighthouse stands at a height of 156 feet. The government would spend an additional $1,400 trying to right the tower. The current Lighthouse is the third that has stood in this vicinity of Bodie Island on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Lighthouses are true symbols of resilience and strength. Height: 75 feet | Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Lighthouses of the Carolinas - A Short History and Guide, View more Bodie Island Lighthouse pictures. Thousands of new, … The lighthouse grounds are also quite scenic and worth a stroll. The first one built in 1847 lasted less than ten years before the fifty-four foot tower was abandoned as being structurally unsound. However, visitors are still encouraged to stop by and explore the island and see the historic lighthouse in person. The tower was first lit on October 1, 1872. Location: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, NC 27959 Height: 156′ Opened: 1872 By 1940, the lighthouse was automated and the keepers left the premises. This historic wonder is impressive and beautiful. A tour of the Outer Banks Lighthouses is a wonderful way to learn about both the history and beauty of the area. The current Bodie Island Lighthouse is the third version of the all-brick structure. However, the modest height still towers over the seaside village below. The Lighthouse is located just south of Nag's Head, a few miles before Oregon Inlet. The Bodie (pronounced “body”) Island Lighthouse is actually the third structure built in the area (the first was built on unsteady ground and the second destroyed in the Civil War) and rises to a height of 156’ (47.5m). Before you visit an Outer Banks lighthouse, remember that most will require a small fee to climb; the fee goes towards maintenance and costs to keep the lighthouse operational. Moreover, the Bodie Island Lighthouse hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Stick around afterwards to take in the local wildlife; you can easily spot various birds, crabs, fish, and maybe even a few dolphins! Due to the high number of reported shipwrecks off the coast of North Carolina, Congress had sent Lieutenant Napoleon Coste to survey the coastline south of Chesapeake Bay. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is still a functioning navigational aid to North Carolina's Outer Banks. Its beam, visible for up to fifteen miles at sea, was focused by a third-order Fresnel lens which was first lighted on July 1, 1859. These two lights show up at the top of the list. It would be another ten years before construction of the third Bodie Island Lighthouse would start. “He’s finally tall enough so he’s going up with my husband.”. It is located on the Roanoke Sound side of the first island that is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Bodie Island Lighthouse (Courtesy Coast Guard). Bodie Island Lighthouse of course! The Currituck Beach Lighthouse sports a traditional design, with a bright red brick exterior. Visitors that make the trek are rewarded with pristine vistas of the island and surrounding ocean. Whether you’re a history buff looking to learn more about the rich coastal chronicles or you’re a photography enthusiast seeking unique beach backgrounds for pictures, check out these lighthouses along the Outer Banks. The budget for the entire station was a meager $8,750, although an additional $2,300 was needed to finish the project. Rather than incur the cost to restore the lens, the Coast Guard planned on replacing it with a more maintenance friendly modern optic. History of the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Notables: Height: 37 feet; Extends into the Sound: 40 yards; Fresnel lens: Fourth order; Bodie Island Lighthouse. Active: Yes; Tower Lens: 1st Order Fresnel; Beacon Visibility: 19 miles; Information: (252) 441-5711; The Bodie (obvious body) Island Lighthouse was developed in 1848, after hundreds of ships satisfied their fate on the hazardous shoals off the waters of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Height: 208 feet | Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Inarguably the most popular landmarks along the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is hard to miss. The sandy barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina are always in a state of flux. The eighty foot tall brick tower, designed by the Army Corps of Engineers, was built upon sturdy piles and capped off with a cast-iron lantern. Easily spotted because of its black and white striped design, the lighthouse is centrally located along the Outer Banks, making it an easy stop for beach visitors staying at either end of OBX. It is located on the Roanoke Sound side of the first island that is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Repairs were made, and screening was placed over the panes of glass in the lantern to provide protection in the event of another collision. Dexter Stetson, the contractor that had just finished building the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to the south moved his crews, equipment, materials, and storage sheds to the site to start construction. Sunset at Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina. With that, $25,000 was appropriated for the construction of the new Bodie Island Lighthouse. Instead of being able to design the tower, he was handed plans for a squat fifty-four foot high tower and awkward in design. Height: 162 feet | Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. All Rights Reserved.Website Design by InterCoastal Net Designs. Because of the age and historic importance, the lighthouse is not open to the public. Body Island or as it is more commonly spelled Bodie, had originally formed around 1738 when New Inlet opened which separated Bodie and Hatteras Islands. The inside has been beautifully restored and maintained, with much of the original brick and iron still in place. With that, $25,000 was appropriated for the construction of the new Bodie Island Lighthouse. The fee to climb is just $8 per adult and $4 for children under 11 (kids must be at least 42" tall to climb). After losing sight of what is today, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, he found no other worthwhile navigational markers on the featureless coastline until he spotted the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse more than 150 miles to the south. Restaurants near Bodie Island Lighthouse: (3.65 mi) O'Neal's Sea Harvest (7.05 mi) Scammell's Corner Surf Shop & Ice Cream Parlor (8.38 mi) The Hungry Pelican (4.28 mi) Fish Heads Bar & Grill (9.44 mi) Blue Moon Beach Grill; View all restaurants near Bodie Island Lighthouse on Tripadvisor Height: 156 ft. Open For Tours: Yes, 3rd Friday in April through Columbus Day. Your email address will not be published. Opposition to the plan allowed for other alternatives to be explored, which ended with the lighthouse being converted to a private aid to navigation. Built in 1872, the Bodie Island Lighthouse that visitors have the opportunity to witness today is actually the third of its kind in the area. With its huge height and stunning black and white stripes, this iconic structure is easy to spot while driving on NC 12 towards Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Island. Bodie Island is primarily known for its lighthouse, the black and white striped Bodie Island Lighthouse which was built in 1872. All photographs and information on this site is copyright © 2016 Bryan Penberthy unless otherwise specified. The Bodie Island Lighthouse that is standing today is actually the third one to be built in the area. The work concluded in early 2011, however it was determined that additional restoration work on the gallery was required and additional funds would be necessary. Rather than rebuild at Bodie Island, the Lighthouse Board initially planned for three lighthouses of the fourth-order to fill the 120-mile gap between Cape Hatteras and Cape Henry, but it later changed its mind, and on July 15, 1870 Congress appropriated $60,000 for a tower at Bodie Island. History. Height: 163 feet | Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bodie Island Lighthouse Built: 1872 | Height: 156 feet Location: Just south of Nags Head at the northern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse also hosts special events, like full moon tours, which are a ‘must’ if offered during your visit! Gibbons was forced to work under the command of an ex-customs inspector who knew very little of construction practices and less about lighthouses. 866.595.18939:00 AM - 5:00 PM ESTOffice Closed. The lighthouse is located at the end of a short, scenic boardwalk in downtown Manteo and is certainly worth a visit; the remote island location provides unparalleled sunset vistas and makes a beautiful backdrop for waterfront pictures. Go to the Bodie Lighthouse website, for specifics Many have been around for centuries, enduring generations of storms, destruction, relocation and evolution around them. Due to the popularity and seasonality of tours, we recommend booking tickets in advance. While Bodie Island is officially open year round, visiting hours do apply to the light. The selected location was a fifteen-acre plot of land just north of the Oregon Inlet which was purchased from John Etheridge for $150. The first dates to 1847, standing only 54 feet tall, and due to faulty construction was leaning within a couple of years. The area is also home to one of the largest fishing centers on the Outer Banks, the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center , as well as beaches that are within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore . The original illuminant used as the light source was kerosene. The National Park Service took ownership of the lens in a ceremony on April 25, 2005 and will operate the tower with the classic lens as a private aid to navigation. Baltimore contractor Francis Gibbons was hired to build the lighthouse. Located in the heart of Corolla Beach, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a true beacon for the community. ** This year denotes a station date. From the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is the tallest (and arguably the most recognized) lighthouse in America, to the Ocracoke Lighthouse, which is the second oldest lighthouse in America, there’s a lighthouse for every style or interest in the Outer Banks. THE BODIE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE. The eighty foot tall brick tower, designed by the Army Corps of Engineers, was built upon sturdy piles and capped off with a cast-iron lantern. Required fields are marked *, First Flight Rentals By 1859 the tower had deteriorated beyond repair. The Lighthouse Board had appropriated $140,000 for the construction of a first-order lighthouse, duplex dwelling, and several outbuildings. When Bodie Island was finally selected as the location, problems acquiring the land, the exact location, and the design of the tower would add a ten year delay to the project. The Statue of Liberty was officially a lighthouse and was under control of the Lighthouse Board. Surrounded by thriving marshland and maritime forests, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is the ideal destination for nature lovers. When you arrive, admire the iconic black-and-white stripe design of the exterior and the wonderful views of the … This brought final price tag to just over $11,000, which was still low for a lighthouse at that time. Originally constructed in 1875, the lighthouse is still in operation to this day and is open to the public. There is a small fee to climb, though children under the age of 8 are admitted for free with a paying adult. The lighthouse welcomes over 150,000 visitors each year, and it’s not hard to see why! Easily spotted because of its black and white striped design, the lighthouse is centrally located along the Outer Banks, making it an easy stop for beach visitors staying … Fire Island Lighthouse was an important landmark for transatlantic ships coming into New York Harbor at the turn of the last century. By 1850, the tower was more than a foot out of plumb, which affected the rotation, and ultimately led to a slight variance of the light's characteristic. Bodie Island Light House is a great place to watch and photograph the sunrise. Emergency repairs were made in 2007 with a full restoration planned to begin in 2008; however, the Senate removed the funding for the project in December of 2007. Toll Free: 866.595.1893 But in 2003, the first-order Fresnel was in poor condition due to the litharge, or putty-like substance that holds the prisms in place, was dried and cracking. The newly formed island to the south was given the name Pea Island. In 1837, the federal government sent Lieutenant Napoleon L. Coste of the revenue cutter Campbell to examine the coastline for potential lighthouse sites that would supplement the existing one at Cape Hatteras. Congress restored the $3 million restoration funding in an Omnibus Budget Bill in 2009. Cape Lookout Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531. In 1837, an expedition commissioned by the US government and led by Lieutenant Napoleon L. Coste began to find a spot for a … Bodie Island Lighthouse. Details: Visitor center is in the old keeper’s quarters. Also constructed at that time was a five-room keeper's dwelling, a brick cistern, and two outbuildings. Find bodie island lighthouse stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. The current Bodie Island Lighthouse is the third that has stood in this vicinity of Bodie Island on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. It takes just 214 steps to reach the top of the 170' tower, where you'll be rewarded with both an incredible view and the opportunity to see firsthand the original Fresnel lens that powers the light. Located in Corolla, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse still functions as an … If you happened to experience a rain shower, peruse the small museum inside, which features local historic OBX exhibits and educational programs. By 1953, nearly all the property of the light station was transferred to the National Park Service except for the tower. The 42 inch height limit to climb the lighthouse had been out of older brother Adam’s reach last year, but this year, he got the chance to make it to the top. Surrounded by thriving marshland and maritime forests, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is the ideal destination for nature lovers. "Future dim for tower's lens? As was expected, the tower soon began to lean. As the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina and the second oldest lighthouse in the United States, the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse is a true ‘must see’ for history and architecture enthusiasts. Posted/Updated by Bryan Penberthy on 2013-02-23. Tower will be open for climbing starting in April of 2013.Rates are projected to be $8.00 for climbing. The nature trail is a birding hot spot. Address: 1101 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, NC 27927. Also during the restoration, the first-order Fresnel lens was disassembled, removed, restored, and returned to the tower. Starting in 1852, the newly created Lighthouse Board was placed in charge of construction and maintenance of all lighthouses and navigational aids in the United States. Depending on where you depart from, the trip is a simple and scenic 25 – 45 minutes cruise; half the fun is getting there! The keeper was required to lug the container up the 214 steps every day. It would stand for less than two years when retreating Confederate troops packed the tower with explosives and detonated it in 1861. The 156' ft. lighthouse still shines a beam 19 miles offshore, making full rotations at 27.5 seconds. Bodie Island Lighthouse is surrounded by freshwater marshlands and a few saltwater ponds, so make sure you wear your bug spray. Electricity came to the site in the form of a generator in September of 1932. Finally, in 1846, the location was selected and the land was purchased. Many times he would sacrifice quality over cost, and the Bodie Island Lighthouse was no exception. 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