Cape Lookout in Carteret County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

More Than a Lighthouse

— Cape Lookout National Seashore —

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 21, 2021

1. More Than a Lighthouse Marker

Inscription. It is hard to miss the 163-foot-tall lighthouse. It was made to be noticed, to warn ships away from the shoals off the cape. But there is much more to the Cape Lookout Light Station than just the lighthouse. The light could not function without its many supporting features.

Living quarters were needed to house the keepers, who were the most important part of the system. Only they could keep the light working. The light and the station required fuel, which was stored in buildings away from the others in case there was a fuel fire. Boats were needed to ferry people and supplies, and they required docks and boathouses.

The Cape Lookout Light Station is a system of parts that work together. In turn, the station is part of a larger system of many stations, which work together to safely guide sailors along America’s coastlines.

(sidebar)
John Quidley was one of three uniformed keepers here at Cape Lookout from 1905 to 1906. At that time his rank was Second Assistant Keeper. But notice that his collar rank insignia has the number "I" for First Assistant keeper, showing that this photo was taken after he had been promoted

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sometime after 1906. Also notice the lighthouse insignia on his cap. The Lighthouse Service was a uniform service like the U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Army today.

(caption) Photo taken in 1913.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 34° 37.375′ N, 76° 31.405′ W. Marker is in Cape Lookout, North Carolina, in Carteret County. It can be reached from South Core Back Road (unpaved), on the left when traveling north. Marker is located on the boardwalk at Cape Lookout National Seashore. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harkers Island NC 28531, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Crystal 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,

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 21, 2021

2. More Than a Lighthouse Marker

the Western 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Two Centuries Warning Ships (within shouting distance of this marker); Keep the Light Lit (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Where Are We? (about 400 feet away); Our Dilemma: Eroding Shore (about 500 feet away); Fort Hancock (approx. 4.3 miles away); Horizon of Islands (approx. 4.3 miles away); Estuaries of the Sound (approx. 4.3 miles away); Protecting People and Ships (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Lookout.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Cape Lookout Lighthouse (was approx. 4.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Cape Lookout Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 22, 2021

3. Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 21, 2021

4. Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 21, 2021

5. Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 21, 2021

6. Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 28, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.