Cape Fear Light facts for kids
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 Cape Fear Lighthouse
Location in North Carolina
Cape Fear Lighthouse
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Carolina |
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| Coordinates | 33°53′34″N 78°02′05″W / 33.8927°N 78.0348°W |
| Year first constructed | 1903 |
| Year first lit | 1903 |
| Construction | cast iron skeleton tower |
| Tower shape | Octagonal pyramidal skeleton |
| Height | 184 feet |
| Range | 19 miles |
| Characteristic | flashing white every 10 seconds |
| ARLHS number | USA-1028 |
The Cape Fear Lighthouse was a tall light tower built in 1903. It stood near Cape Fear on Bald Head Island in North Carolina. This lighthouse helped ships navigate safely. It replaced the older Bald Head Lighthouse. Its main job was to guide ships around the dangerous Frying Pan Shoals off the coast.
The Cape Fear Lighthouse was different from many others. It was made of a steel frame, not brick. It looked like an octagonal (eight-sided) skeleton tower. The lighthouse was painted with red and white stripes. It had three white stripes and two red ones. Inside, it held a special Fresnel lens. This lens was very powerful and came from France.
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Changes to the Lighthouse
In August 1906, the top part of the lighthouse changed color. It went from white to black. This change made it easier to see during the day.
Around 1915, there was a worry about the shoreline. People thought the land was eroding, or washing away. They asked for money to move the lighthouse and its buildings. However, the erosion stopped. So, the lighthouse was never moved. The homes where the lighthouse keepers lived are still there today. They stand near the old concrete blocks that held the lighthouse up.
Lighthouse Keepers
Captain Charlie Swan was a dedicated lighthouse keeper. He looked after the Cape Fear Light for over half its life. On December 5, 1932, something sad happened. Devaney F. Jennette, an assistant keeper, passed away. He had just climbed the tower and was talking to Captain Swan.
End of an Era
In 1958, a new, more powerful light was built. This was the Oak Island Lighthouse. It replaced the Cape Fear Lighthouse. After the new light was ready, the Cape Fear Lighthouse was taken down. This was done so that sailors would not get confused. They wanted to make sure ships only followed the new, active light.
The Special Lens
When the lighthouse was taken down, something unusual happened. The Coast Guard gave the large Fresnel lens to the company that demolished the tower. This lens was very special. It ended up in an antique store. Over the next 50 years, parts of the lens were sold off.
In 2009, what was left of the lens was bought by the Old Baldy Foundation. This group works to preserve history on Bald Head Island. They brought the lens back to the island for restoration. Some of the glass pieces that were sold have also been returned. The Old Baldy Foundation plans to show the restored lens. It will be displayed near where the Cape Fear Lighthouse once stood.
The Lighthouse Complex
The Cape Fear Lighthouse Complex is also known as Cap'n Charlie's Cottages. These buildings are still standing today. The complex includes three houses where the light keepers lived. There is also a supply shed and the piers of another shed. These buildings were all built in 1903, at the same time as the lighthouse.
In 1978, the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
