Ocracoke Lighthouse

Year Built

1823

Cost

$11,359.35

Type

Conical

Height

76 feet

Location

Ocracoke Island, Ocracoke

Automated Year

1955

First Lit

1824

Lens Type

Fourth order Fresnel lens, installed 1854

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

White

Last Keeper - Date

Clyde Farrow (1946 – 1954)

Description

The lighthouse is not open for climbing, but the grounds can be visited.

Brief History

•  The 1854 report of the Lighthouse Board indicated that at Ocracoke Island a fourth-order Fresnel fixed white light was substituted for the old reflecting illuminating apparatus.
•  In 1897, the roof was removed from the keeper's dwelling and a second story added, providing an additional three comfortable rooms.
•  1954 was a pivotal year at Ocracoke Light Station because the Lighthouse became fully automated and no longer needed a resident keeper to tend to daily needs.
•  Ocracoke Lighthouse was switched off in November 2009 and remained dark until March 3, 2010.
•  In 2019, Hurricane Dorian greatly impacted the light station and flooded the Keepers' Quarters with 18 inches of water.