Thursday, December 31, 2015

Currituck Beach Lighthouse


Our early October 2015 trip to the Outer Banks continued with a visit to Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, North Carolina. The lighthouse is now privately owned and is open for climbing.

Construction of the lighthouse began in 1873 using the same design as the Bodie Island Lighthouse that was built in 1872. A series of spiral stairs and landings is used to reach the light room that houses a first order Fresnel lens. The focal plane of the lens is 158 feet above sea level. An exterior platform was constructed at a level just below the light room. The exterior platform is accessible to visitors, but the light room is not.

View from the parking area

Duplex house for the families of two light keepers

Path from the tower to the Keeper's house

Lighthouse from near the keeper's house

Originally housing for a third keeper, but now a gift shop

Entrance

Looking up

Ocean view from the last window on the climb up

View northwest across Currituck Sound

Keeper's house

View south toward Duck

Historic Whalehead Club and Currituck Sound

Interesting cloud patterns over the Atlantic Ocean

New construction along the Atlantic beach

Exterior of the light room

Looking over the railing

Another view of the keeper's house

Currituck Light

Parking and admission to the grounds are free. Admission to climb the tower is $10 per person. Children seven years old and younger climb free with an adult. Only cash and checks are accepted.

The lighthouse website is http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/.

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