Ocracoke Light facts for kids
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| Ocracoke Light | |
 Ocracoke Light
Location in North Carolina
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| Location | SR 1326, Ocracoke Island, Ocracoke, North Carolina, Hyde County, North Carolina |
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| Coordinates | 35°6′32.3″N 75°59′9.8″W / 35.108972°N 75.986056°W |
| Year first constructed | 1798 |
| Year first lit | 1823 (current tower) |
| Automated | 1955 |
| Foundation | Dressed stone / timber |
| Construction | Brick with mortar surface |
| Tower shape | Conical |
| Markings / pattern | White |
| Height | 76 feet (23 m) |
| Focal height | 75 feet (23 m) |
| Current lens | 4th order Fresnel lens installed 1854 |
| Range | 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fixed white |
| Fog signal | none |
| Admiralty number | J2408 |
| ARLHS number | USA-561 |
| USCG number | 2-660 |
The Ocracoke Light is a famous lighthouse located on Ocracoke Island in North Carolina. It was built in 1823 by Noah Porter from Massachusetts. This historic lighthouse helps guide ships safely through the waters near the island.
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About the Ocracoke Lighthouse
The Ocracoke Light stands about 75 feet (23 meters) tall. It has a unique shape, starting wide at the bottom and getting narrower towards the top. The base is 25 feet (7.6 meters) across, and the top is 12 feet (3.7 meters) wide. Its main job is to show ships the way through Ocracoke Inlet into Pamlico Sound.
A Glimpse into History
The Ocracoke Light has seen many important moments. During the American Civil War in 1864, soldiers from the Confederate side took apart the special lens inside the lighthouse. This lens, called a Fresnel lens, helps make the light very bright. Later, Union soldiers put the lens back together, and the light was able to shine again.
The Ocracoke Light is very special because it is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina that is still working today. It is also the second oldest lighthouse tower still standing in the state. In 1955, the lighthouse became "automated." This means machines took over the job of keeping the light working, so a lighthouse keeper was no longer needed all the time.
Visiting the Lighthouse
If you visit Ocracoke Island during the summer, you might be able to see the base of the lighthouse. A U.S. National Park Ranger is often there to answer questions. However, visitors are not allowed to climb to the very top of the lighthouse. The spiral staircase inside is made of steel and is only safe for maintenance workers.
The staircase you see today is not the original one. The first staircase was made of wood and built right into the lighthouse wall. In the 1950s, this wooden staircase was removed because it was rotting. Since the lighthouse was automated, a big staircase was no longer needed for daily use. The holes where the wooden stairs were attached were then filled with cement.
A National Historic Landmark
Because of its long history and importance, the Ocracoke Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It is officially known as the Ocracoke Light Station. This listing helps protect the lighthouse and its history for future generations to enjoy.
