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Bodie Island Light
Nags Head, North Carolina

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Average Rating:

10.0 (1 review)

Recommended By: 100% of reviewers

General Information

Date Established: 1848
Date Present Tower Built: 1872
Date Automated: 1954
Height of Tower: 165 ft.
Height of Focal Plane: 156 ft.

Location

Distance from You:
Open to Public?: Yes, lower section of tower and grounds

Photos

Full-Size

Photo Credits:* Cary (#1-5), rocky5128 (#6)

*Photos on this page are the property of Patti, unless otherwise noted, and may not be downloaded or used without permission from the copyright owner.

Description

Bodie Island Light is actually the third tower in its location. The first tower's construction was overseen by someone who knew little about lighthouses and completely disregarded an engineer's instructions on how to properly build it. As a result, it developed severe structural problems and was taken down. The second lighthouse became a casuality of the Civil War, when Confederate soldiers destroyed it in 1861. Fortunately, the third time was the charm. Designed by the same man who designed the present Cape Hatteras Light, it has black and white horizontal stripes and is still standing today. The tower had fallen into disrepair and was restored in 1997 and 1998, yet the inside still requires further restoration.

Additional information:
It is located off N.C. 12, 2 miles north of Oregon Inlet. This lighthouse has 214 steps leading to the top. (Patrice)

Submitted by: Patti

Date of last review: Tue Oct 10, 2006

Views: 1400

Author

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Patrice

Joined: 10 Oct 2006
Posts: 6

Review Date: Tue Oct 10, 2006

Would you recommend the lighthouse? Yes | Rating: 10

Pros:	easy access
Cons:

I visited this beautiful lighthouse in 1992 while on vacation. It is one of my favorites.