Cape Lookout Lighthouse

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Quick Facts

  • Present tower at Cape Lookout was built in 1859

  • It cost $45,000 to complete

  • Height: 163 feet

  • There are a total of 269 steps to the top

  • Coast Survey Chart: 34 37′22″ N latitude, 76 31′28″ W longitude

  • Light is still operational day and night and visible for 19 mile.

  • Cape Lookout was the first tall lighthouse to be built on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

  • The lighthouse played an important role in the Civil War

  • It became fully automated in 1950

  • Cape Lookout is the only major lighthouse that operates during the day

  • Cape Lookout is maintained by the Coast Guard

History

The need for a lighthouse in this area of the Outer Banks was necessary due to many ships wrecks off the coast. The surrounding area is referred to as Lookout Shoals and is known for its shifting sands, making the shoreline unpredictable to mariners.

The original Cape Lookout Lighthouse was built in 1812 at a cost of $21,000. It was constructed of two towers ( one was constructed inside the other ). The inner tower was constructed of brick. The outer tower was made of boarded and shingled wood, painted with red and white horizontal stripes. This tower stood 96 feet tall ( 104 feet above sea level ). This lighthouse had numerous problems. Its light was not bright enough for sea captains to see and the tower had several cracks. Though attempts were made to renovate the tower, in 1875 Congress approved the construction of a new lighthouse. The old light stood along side the present day Cape Lookout for several years until it was destroyed well after the Civil War.

cape-lookout-14The present Cape Lookout lighthouse was completed in 1859 at a cost of $45,000. The lighthouse stands 163 feet above sea level and was equipped with a 1st-order Fresnel lens. The powerful beacon could be seen from at least 19 miles away. After its construction, Cape Lookout became a model for all tower lighthouses constructed on the Eastern U.S coast from that point on. When the remaining four North Carolina lighthouses were finished (Cape Lookout, Cape Hatteras, Bodie, and Currituck), the Lighthouse Board painted each different designs to easily distinguish one from another.

During the Civil War, the lighthouse became very important. The area surrounding the new Cape Lookout Lighthouse served as a military stronghold. When the Confederates were forced to retreat in 1861, they attempted to blow up both beacons so they would be inoperable for arriving Union soldiers. The original Cape Lookout was almost completely destroyed and the blast severely damaged the lens on the new lens. The following year, the Lighthouse Board re-lit the lighthouse with a 3rd order Fresnel lens. Currently, the Coast Guard owns and operates the lighthouse, and the National Park Service owns the surrounding area. The tower is not open to the public, but they do have a visitor center and small museum.

Visitor Information:

Directions:

Take Hwy 70 East to Harkers Island Rd ( SR 1332 ) and turn right. Be sure to watch closely for signs for ferry services.

The lighthouse can only be accessed by boat, but there are many ferry services available from nearby Harkers Island. A list of ferry services can be found by calling the National Parks Service at (252) 728-2250. Call ahead for trip costs.

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We suggest the “Local Yokal” in Harkers Island.  During our trip in August ‘07, the cost was $10 per adult and $6 per child.   He took us by Shackleford Island to see the wild horses so I was able to snap off some great photos.  More information on the wild horses of Shackleford Island, visit  http://www.shacklefordhorses.org/.

A list of all ferry services can be found here: http://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/ferry.htm

Once you arive on the island, you will see the visitor center and gift shop.  In the same area, there are restrooms and a covered seating area.  The island is trash free, so you will not find any trash cans, so be prepared to take you trash back with you.  I would suggest bringing water, snacks, bug repellant and sunscreen.  There is a picnic area near the lighthouse if you want to pack a lunch.  There is a nice boardwalk that takes you to the lighthouse and across the island to the beach.  The keepers house is open which acts as a museum.  The lighthouse can only be climbed 4 times a year during one of the Open House events.  You can find out when the open house events are by visiting: http://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/openhouse.htm

The following link allow you to create a custom driving route to the Local Yokal who can take you to Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Driving directions to Cape Lookout Lighthouse

 

Hours:

Since hours are subject to change, please check: http://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/hours.htm

Map of Cape Lookout Lighthouse


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Handicapped Access

The Hatteras Island Visitors Center is accessible. A path to the beach has a firm surface leading to the dune line.

Lighthouse Resources and Points of Interest

National Park Service 131 Charles St. Harkers Island, NC 28531 Ph (252) 728-2250 Fax (252) 728-2160 CALO_Information@nps.gov

Carteret County Chamber of Commerce 801 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (800) 622-6278 info@nccoastchamber.com

Crystal Coast Visitors Center 3409 Arendell Street P.O. Box 1406 Morehead City, NC 28557 1-800-SUNNY-NC vacation@sunnync.com