Ocracoke Lighthouse

Ocracoke Lighthouse may be the shortest of the four Outer Banks lighthouses but that only makes it all the more charming. Rising only about 70 feet into the sky, the whitewashed tower sits on a lawn of flawless green surrounded by a white picket fence, outbuildings and a quaint keeper’s cottage, creating a picturesque scene of old island life. Built in 1823, this is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina and the second-oldest in the nation. It is still in operation, and its beam can be seen 14 miles out to sea.

The Ocracoke lighthouse was automated in 1955.

Judy stayed in the van while I walked up to the lighthouse to take these pictures. What should be following me but a yellow feline. He was certainly friendly and wanted his belly rubbed. I, of course, obliged.


In 1864, Confederate troops dismantled the fourth-order Fresnel Lens, but Union forces later restored it.

I said goodbye to the kitty and this historic lighthouse and headed back to the van.

Tomorrow- The British Cemetery