Edenton in Chowan County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse
— Edenton Historical Commission Museum Trail —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2023
1. 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse Marker
The Roanoke River Lighthouse is the last remaining screw pile lighthouse in North Carolina. This type of structure was specifically designed for use in rivers and secured in place by a framework attached to a series of pilings that were screwed into the riverbed.
Featuring a fourth order Fresnel lens with a kerosene lamp, this structure replaced two lighthouses previously erected in the same location. The first was destroyed by fire, while the second was partially sunk by an ice floe. This lighthouse was staffed for 47 years and continued to operate by automation for another eight years.
After its decommissioning, the lighthouse was purchased and moved 32 miles to Edenton for use as a private residence. Another purchase and relocation brought it here for restoration. It is currently operated as a museum by Historic Edenton State Historic Site.
A Brief History of the Roanoke River Lighthouse
1866
First Roanoke River Lighthouse is constructed six miles east of Plymouth.
1885
Lighthouse is destroyed by fire and replaced with a new structure.
1886
Ice floe in Albemarle Sound hits second lighthouse, partially submerging it. Construction of the third lighthouse begins.
1933
Lighthouse is automated
this page online
1941
Lighthouse is decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard
1955
Lighthouse is purchased by tugboat captain Emmitt Wiggins and relocated to Edenton for use as a private residence.
2012
Lighthouse restoration is completed, and site opens to the public.
This self-guided museum trail is numbered for convenience. However participants can begin or end where desired.
The museum trail is a project of the Edenton Historical Commission. Special Thanks to Kip Shaw Photography, William Ahearn Arts, and the North Carolina Division of State Historic Sites.
Erected by Edenton Historical Commission Museum Trail. (Marker Number 15.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 36° 3.374′ N, 76° 36.648′ W. Marker is in Edenton, North Carolina, in Chowan County. Marker can be reached from Dock Street just south of West Water Street. Marker is located along the walkway in Colonial Waterfront Park, overlooking the Roanoke River Lighthouse. Touch for map.
2. Marker detail: Roanoke River Lighthouse, c. 1914
The lighthouse welcomes visitors at its original location. Note the bell on the front used to warn vessels during fog.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Roanoke River Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Escape Via Maritime Underground Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Silent Service Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Edenton (about 300 feet away); Penelope Barker (about 400 feet away); Penelope Barker House (about 400 feet away); Edenton Bell Battery C.S.A. (about 400 feet away); Sea Port Fame Brings Famous Forefathers — Nation's Leaders, to Edenton (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edenton.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Edenton Historical Commission Museum Trail
Also see . . .
1. 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse.
Built in 1886, the fully restored Roanoke River Lighthouse now stands proudly in the harbor at Edenton, NC. The Lighthouse first served as a guide for ships navigating the waters of the Albemarle Sound into the Roanoke River, and then, after being decommissioned in 1941, was moved by barge across the sound to private land, where it ultimately deteriorated as a neglected residence.(Submitted on May 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Marker detail: Damaged by Hurricane Isabel
The lighthouse was moved across the Albemarle Sound to the Edenton waterfront in May, 2009.
2. Roanoke River Light.
The first permanent structure was erected in 1866, a square screw-pile lighthouse similar to others in the region. This light burned in March 1885 and was reconstructed the same year; however, in the following winter moving ice broke two of the pilings and threw the house into the sound. A new light was constructed at the same site in 1887, another screw-pile structure of an atypical design. The new light had two stories rather than the usual single story, and the lantern housing the lamp sat on a tower arising from a corner of the building, rather than being mounted at the center of the roof.(Submitted on May 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Roanoke River Lighthouse.
It is one of the last surviving screwpile lighthouses of its kind in the United States. The lighthouse originally stood sentry in the mouth of the Roanoke River. It has been restored and relocated to its permanent position in Edenton Bay. This amazing structure is open for tours, giving a complete look of life on the water from a lightkeeper's perspective.(Submitted on May 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
4. Marker detail: Moving the Lighthouse
Workmen of Worth Hare & Son House Moving execute the final move of the restored lighthouse from its temporary location to its new home over the water in May, 2012.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2023
5. 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2023
6. 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse (northwest elevation)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2023
7. 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse (northeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
