Over the years, a total of 23 lighthouses have graced the coast of North Carolina. Some are still around, and some are not. In 1872, the Light-House Board determined there was a seriously dark spot along 40 miles of coastline in North Carolina. In fact, ships sailing south through the area would skim dangerously close to the shore while trying to avoid the Gulf Stream. In response, the Currituck Lighthouse was commissioned in 1872. Construction began in 1873 and the lighthouse was completed in 1875.

The most understated light along the coast was never painted, leaving its red bricks exposed.
Flickr/Jeff Burcher
It's the only lighthouse in North Carolina with a raw facade.
Th original light source was powered by a Funck's hydraulic float lamp fueled by lard oil. It had four wicks. In 1913, the light was upgraded to an incandescent oil vapor lamp. And by 1939, it was completely automated and powered by electricity.
Flickr/Richard Greene
One thing most people don't know about this lighthouse is that its construction included one million bricks! The base of the structure is five feet and eight inches thick; while the top is a full three feet thick. (That's a LOT of bricks!)
Visitors to the Currituck Light today can visit the museum and gift shop to learn some history and shop for keepsakes.
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They can also climb the light's 220 winding stairs to the top.
Flickr/Richard Ricciardi
Step out onto the observation deck for outstanding views of the Atlantic and the Outer Banks.
Flickr/AlisaRyan
You'll also have a bird's eye view of the museum property grounds.
Flickr/Ed
The Currituck Light is owned and managed by the Outer Banks Conservationists. It still operates as a navigational light and can be seen by seafaring vessels as far as 18 miles away.
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Have you ever visited the Currituck Lighthouse? Did you know so many bricks were used in its construction? And finally, how many of North Carolina’s lighthouses have you visited so far? Let us know in the comments!

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