Last Brick Lighthouse Built On The Outer Banks

North Carolina’s northern-most lighthouse is the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. It is located at Corolla on Currituck Banks. Construction of this 162-foot tower was completed in 1875. This lighthouse was the last brick lighthouse to be built on the Outer Banks. Unlike many other lighthouses that were painted distinctive day-marks, Currituck was not painted. The first-order Fresnel lens was automated in 1939. This action eliminated the need for keepers and their use of the keepers dwelling. During World War II, men guarding the coast used the dwelling. However, after the war the light station was abandoned.

 

Neglect of the dwelling and tower, over time, caused both of them to fall into disrepair, especially the dwelling. Concerned citizens formed the “Outer Banks Conservationist Group,” a private organization. They leased the property and surrounding buildings, except the lighthouse, from the state. The organization invested years and millions of dollars restoring the dwelling and repairs to the lighthouse. Since then, they have been awarded ownership of the lighthouse and surrounding buildings. The dwelling is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the time of this writing, the Fresnel lens, still active, is lit daily from dusk to dawn. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is open to the public during the summer time, enabling folks to climb the 214-steps up to the gallery.