Archive for the ‘Lighthouse’ Category
Outer Banks Lighthouse exploration has its own following. Many people are fascinated by lighthouses and their history, one of the oldest lighthouses in the U.S. is located on the Outer Banks.
The lighthouse on Hatteras was started in 1796 and operational in 1802, but proved to be too low to be effective. It was refitted with a better light and raised 60 feet in 1854. This lighthouse protects ships from one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coastline. The Virginia Drift, a branch of the Labrador Current from Canada, collides with the Gulf Stream off the coast of Hatteras. The current has claimed hundreds, if not thousands, ships by forcing them onto the twelve mile long sandbar named
Diamond Shoals. This area is well known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.
A total of five Outer Banks Lighthouses, not including the sound lighthouses, were built along with life-saving stations, which provided employment for many residents. No matter where you elect to base yourself during your Outer Banks vacation a lighthouse will be not far away. Children who are able to make a lighthouse climb will burn off energy and have a great time. Views are great !