Story Behind the Photo: Ocracoke Light Station

Ocracoke Island is part of the barrier islands that form the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Only accessible by sea or air, the island is a favorite tourist destination via the free ferry service from several different locations in the Outer Banks. On the southern end of the island is the quaint village of Ocracoke and the Ocracoke Light Station, both on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. The Ocracoke Light Station is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina, built in 1823 in the Ocracoke Inlet. Standing 75 feet tall and shining 14 miles out to sea, the Ocracoke Light Station acts as a harbor light, emitting a constant fixed beam. While other light houses along the Outer Banks are known for their distinctive stripes and patterns, Ocracoke is just as easily recognized by it’s simple all-over white.