Southport in Brunswick County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Bald Head Lighthouse

Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 5, 2017

1. Bald Head Lighthouse Marker

Inscription. Original lighthouse was erected in 1794. Present tower, “Old Baldy,” built in 1817. Used until 1935. Stands 3 miles south.

Erected 2012 by North Carolina Office of Archives and History. (Marker Number D-66.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1794.

Location. 33° 55.048′ N, 78° 1.043′ W. Marker is in Southport, North Carolina, in Brunswick County. It is at the intersection of East Bay Street and South Davis Street on East Bay Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Southport NC 28461, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western

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World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Johnston (a few steps from this marker); Josiah Martin (a few steps from this marker); (Map of the First 100 Lots) (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Johnston (within shouting distance of this marker); Mrs. Jessie Stevens Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Johnston (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial to North Carolina Militia (within shouting distance of this marker); Catalino Tingzon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southport.

Regarding Bald Head Lighthouse. The oldest lighthouse still standing in North Carolina.

Also see . . . Bald Head Light. “The replacement lighthouse now known as ‘Old Baldy’ was completed by 1817.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 5, 2017

2. Bald Head Lighthouse Marker

Old Baldy was built further inland where it would not be threatened by shifting sands along the river for just under $16,000 using bricks salvaged from the old tower. A stone plaque above the entrance identifies the builder as Daniel S. Way, and the foundry for the lantern room, that was also salvaged from the old tower, as R. Cochran. The octagonal brick tower is coated with stucco and stands 110 feet high, the exterior was originally whitewashed, and it was equipped with an array of 15 lamps and reflectors. ” (Submitted on February 26, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.)

Bald Head Light (Old Baldy) image. Click for full size.

U.S. Coast Guard photograph via Wikipedia Commons

3. Bald Head Light (Old Baldy)

Third Bald Head Lighthouse (Not Old Baldy) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 5, 2017

4. Third Bald Head Lighthouse (Not Old Baldy)

Telephoto view from this marker shows silhouette at sunset. In the foreground is the Cape Fear River.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 547 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 26, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of Old Baldy today • Can you help?