Outer Banks: Bodie Island Lighthouse

Later the same day, after we visited Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, we visited the Bodie Island Lighthouse. It is incredibly beautiful, not only the lighthouse but its setting. Visitors aren't allowed to go inside the lighthouse, but it's free to visit.Bodie Island Lighthouse Facts:
Height: 156 feet
Height of Stripes: 22 feet
Stairs: 214
Light Pattern: 2.5 seconds on, 2.5 off, 2.5 on, 22.5 off
Beam Range: 19 miles
Ownership: transferred from US Coast Guard to the National Park Service in 2000
This is the 3rd Bodie Island Lighthouse. Before the first was built, it was said of the Bodie Island off shore area: “more vessels are lost there than on any other part of our coast.” So they needed a lighthouse. The first, started in 1847 began to lean 2 years after completion. It was abandoned in 1859. The second lighthouse was started nearby the same year. Unfortunately this one was a victim of the Civil War. Retreating Confederate troops feared the Union would use the lighthouse to their advantage, so the Confederate soldiers blew it up in 1861. Construction on the current lighthouse began in 1871. It was completed and first lit in 1872. Keeping a lighthouse is an incredibly isolated job, especially in the early days when hardly anyone lived on the island. The light was electrified in 1932 which eliminated the need for a full time Keeper. The salt marsh behind the lighthouse is home to birds and other wildlife.

5 comments:

Elen Grey said...

Lighthouses. One of my favorite things. Great pics, Vonda.

Lexi said...

Yeah, wonderful pictures! Makes me want to go back. We also did both Hatteras and Bodie in the same day. By the time we got back from Hatteras, everyone was ready to jump back in the pool!

Vonda Sinclair said...

Thanks Elen! I'm so glad you like them!

Thanks Lexi! Yes visiting two in one day is plenty, then you want to cool off! I think I was too exhausted to jump anywhere afterward. LOL

ShawnaMoore said...

Hi, Vonda!

Your lovely pics have reminded me why this is one of my favorite getaway locations :) Thanks for sharing those with us :)

Happy week wishes,

Shawna

Terry Spear/Terry Lee Wilde said...

Beautiful pictures!!! I always love your photography!