Welcome to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a remarkable piece of maritime history located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Standing at an impressive 162 feet, this lighthouse is a vital symbol of the region’s rich nautical past. It was first lit on December 1, 1875, designed to fill a significant gap in coastal lighting between Cape Henry Lighthouse to the north and Bodie Island Lighthouse to the south. The construction of the lighthouse was part of a broader federal initiative to improve maritime safety along the treacherous Atlantic coast, often referred to as the ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’ due to the high number of shipwrecks.
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is unique for its natural brick facade, distinguishing it from other lighthouses in the area that are painted. The decision to leave the bricks exposed was made to help sailors easily differentiate between this lighthouse and others along the coast. The construction involved over a million bricks and took several years to complete due to the challenging conditions of the Outer Banks.
One of the notable figures associated with the lighthouse is its first keeper, Samuel Adams. Adams and his family were responsible for maintaining the lighthouse, ensuring that the light was always operational, which was a challenging task given the isolation and harsh weather conditions. The keepers played a crucial role in the safe passage of countless vessels, contributing significantly to the maritime history of the United States.
Over the years, the lighthouse has seen various technological advancements, transitioning from oil lamps to incandescent oil vapor lamps, and eventually to electricity. Today, it is fully automated, but it continues to serve as a navigational aid and a popular historical site.
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is not just a relic of the past but a testament to the enduring importance of maritime safety and the human spirit of perseverance. Visitors to the site can climb its 220 steps to enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound, connecting them to the history and beauty of the Outer Banks.
