Bodie Island Lighthouse facts for kids
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| Bodie Island Lighthouse | |
| Location | 4 miles (6 km) north of Oregon Inlet, Near Nags Head, North Carolina |
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| Coordinates | 35°49′07″N 75°33′48″W / 35.8185°N 75.5633°W |
| Year first constructed | 1847 (First) 1859 (Second) 1872 (Current) |
| Year first lit | 1872 |
| Automated | 1940 |
| Foundation | Timber, Granite, Rubble |
| Construction | Brick, Cast Iron, Stone |
| Tower shape | Conical |
| Markings / pattern | White and black bands with black lantern house |
| Height | 156 feet (48 m) |
| Original lens | First order Fresnel lens, 1872 |
| Current lens | First order Fresnel lens (Restored) |
| Range | 19 nautical miles (35 km; 22 mi) |
| Characteristic | White 2.5 seconds on, 2.5 seconds off, 2.5 seconds on, and 22.5 seconds eclipse with 2 cycles each minute |
| Admiralty number | J2386 |
| ARLHS number | USA-067 |
| USCG number | 2-0590 |
The Bodie Island Lighthouse is a tall, historic lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It stands 156 feet (48 meters) high. This lighthouse is actually the third one built in this area. It was finished in 1872. You can find it near Nags Head, close to Oregon Inlet. It is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
After some big repairs, the lighthouse reopened in 2013. People can now climb its 214 steps to the top! It's one of only about a dozen tall, brick lighthouses left in the United States. It is also one of the few that still has its original first-order Fresnel lens. This special lens makes the light very bright and visible far away.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
The current Bodie Island Lighthouse is the third one to stand in this area. The first two lighthouses were actually built south of Oregon Inlet. That area is now underwater because the inlet has moved over time.
The First Two Lighthouses
The very first lighthouse was built in 1847. But its foundation was not strong, so it started to lean. It had to be left in 1859.
A second lighthouse was built in 1859. However, during the American Civil War, Confederate soldiers destroyed it in 1861. They worried that Union troops would use it as a lookout tower.
The Current Lighthouse
The third and current lighthouse was finished in 1872. It was built further north and more inland on a 15-acre piece of land. This lighthouse still has its original first-order Fresnel lens.
In 1932, the Bodie Island Lighthouse became automated. This meant it no longer needed a keeper to operate it. The light was upgraded to an electric lamp. By 1953, the lighthouse was put under the care of the National Park Service.
The Name "Bodie"
Some people say "Bodie" with a long "o" sound. But the traditional way to say it is "body." There's a story that it's because of many dead sailors washing ashore from shipwrecks. This part of the East Coast is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. However, this story is not true.
The name actually comes from the Body family. They once owned the land, which was called "Bodie's Island." Many ships have sunk here because of storms, shallow areas called shoals, and even German U-boats during World War I and World War II.
Restoring the Lighthouse
From August 2009 to March 2013, the lighthouse went through a big restoration project. Workers repaired the cast iron and other parts. In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused some damage. It broke some newly repaired glass in the lantern room. It also tore away a protective cover. More money was found, and the repairs continued.
The restoration was completed in March 2013. A special ceremony was held on April 18, 2013, to relight the lighthouse. The very next day, it was opened for the public to climb for a fee.
Important Dates
- 1837 – The United States Congress sets aside money to build the first Bodie Island Lighthouse.
- 1847 – The first lighthouse is built, but it has problems with its foundation and starts to lean.
- 1859 – A new, second lighthouse is built. It is 80 feet (24 meters) tall.
- 1861 – Confederate troops destroy the second lighthouse during the Civil War.
- 1871 – The third and current lighthouse is completed. It is 156 feet (48 meters) tall. Its light can be seen for 18 nautical miles (33 km).
- 1939 – The United States Coast Guard takes control of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
- 2000 – The Bodie Island Lighthouse is officially given to the care of the National Park Service.
- 2013 – The lighthouse reopens to the public after major restoration work.
Gallery
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The inside of the lighthouse has a large spiral staircase.
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The watch room deck and lantern of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
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Bodie Island Lighthouse, from a USCG archive photo.
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Restoration work on Bodie Island Light in March 2010.
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Damage to the watch room glass from Hurricane Irene.
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The glass lens inside the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
Images for kids
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Bodie Island Lighthouse and keeper's quarters.
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Bodie Island Lighthouse and keeper's quarters.
