Ocracoke’s Silent Sentinel

Ocracoke’s Silent Sentinel. . Before you stands the oldest functioning lighthouse in North Carolina, and one of the oldest in North America. Constructed in 1823, the Ocracoke Lighthouse guides mariners through the important Ocracoke Inlet. For over 200 years, the 75 foot-tall Ocracoke Lighthouse has watched over the inlet and village of Ocracoke. Predating all other inlets on the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Inlet was one of the most important maritime features on the southeast coast, providing valuable access to the ports of Elizabeth City, New Bern, and Edenton., Supporting this lighthouse were a dozen of brave lighthouse keepers and their families. Living only a few steps away in the Keepers’ quarters, these individuals worked tirelessly day and night to keep the important lighthouse functioning. Keeping a lighthouse working was a family affair, and it was not uncommon to see wives and children helping to haul oil, trim wicks, and clean the lenses., Today, although automated, the Ocracoke Light continues to serve as an active aid-to-navigation in partnership with the United States Coast Guard., (inset) Gateway to Pamlico Sound , Prior to 1846, the Ocracoke inlet served as the only nearby entry point into Pamlico Sound. Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Inlet had not been formed yet, making Ocracoke one of the most strategic coastal villages on the Outer Banks., While the lighthouses guided mariners, the inlet was still treacherous. This 1700s map drawn by Edward Teach, also known as the infamous “Blackbeard the Pirate” shows the numerous sholas that must be navigated to safely enter Pamlico Sound., (caption) Ocracoke Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keeper, 1893. Look closely at the lighthouse today – what differences to you see?