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EMC Photography

Stopping the World from Turning, Just for a Second

  1. Lighthouses

Ocracoke Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
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  • The Official Sign

    The Official Sign

    The official welcome sign to there Ocracoke Island Light Station on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

    2572Ocracoke Island lighthouseCape Hatteras national seashorenational park service

  • Ocracoke Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters

    Ocracoke Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters

    In 1822, for a charge of $50, the federal government purchased two acres at the south end of Ocracoke Island as the site for a new lighthouse. Constructed by Massachusetts builder Noah Porter and finished in 1823, the tower still stands today. Total cost, including the one story, one bedroom keeper’s house, was $11,359, far below the $20,000 budgeted. (NPS)

    As duties at the lighthouse increased, an assistant keeper position was established. To house the additional keeper and his family, a second story was built onto the original quarters in 1897 and another section was added in 1929. The double keepers' quarters still stands on the site today, along with a generator house, once the oil supply shed. (NPS)

    2582Ocracoke Islandocracoke island lighthouseCape Hatteras national seashorelighthousenational park service

  • The Island Tower

    The Island Tower

    The lighthouse stands about 75 feet tall. Its diameter narrows from 25 feet at the base to 12 feet at its peak. The walls are solid brick - 5 feet thick at the bottom tapering to 2 feet at the top. An octagonal lantern crowns the tower and houses the light beacon. (NPS)

    2591Ocracoke Islandocracoke island lighthouseCape Hatteras national seashorelighthousenational park service

  • Sprial to the Top

    Sprial to the Top

    The spiral staircase leading to the top of the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse.

    2592Ocracoke Islandocracoke island lighthouseCape Hatteras national seashorelighthousenational park service

  • The Peak of the Island

    The Peak of the Island

    During hurricanes, the light station served as a place of refuge for some local residents. Situated on higher ground, the complex often remained above flood waters. Villagers, sometimes arriving by boats which navigated inundated roadways, waited out the storm in the keepers’ home. The Ocracoke Light is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. With its aid, yesterday’s sailing vessels safely navigated the channels. Today, fishing and pleasure boats pass within its view. (NPS)

    2602Ocracoke Islandocracoke island lighthouseCape Hatteras national seashorelighthousenational park service

  • The White & The Light

    The White & The Light

    The exterior’s solid white coloration serves as its identifying mark to mariners by day. The original whitewash “recipe” called for blending lime, salt, spanish whiting, rice, glue, and boiling water. The mixture was applied while still hot. (NPS)

    2665ocracoke island lighthouseCape Hatteras national seashorelighthousenational park serviceocracoke island

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