01/02/2025
π Fun Fact Friday: Ocracoke Light Station! π
Did you know that the iconic Ocracoke Light Station began construction on December 5, 1822?
Built on land originally owned by the Gaskill family (a family that still has roots on the island today!), the light station project had a budget of $20,000βabout $600,000 in todayβs money!
The lighthouse was strategically placed in Ocracoke Inlet to improve shipping routes to Pamlico Sound, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the North Carolina mainland and boosting transportation and trade in the United States. ππ’
Fast forward to today, the lighthouse is a popular destination for visitors who come to admire the view, snap some photos, and take in the islandβs rich history. πΈβ¨
EDIT: The December 5, 1822, date given above is actually the date of the sale of the land upon which Ocracoke Light Station was to be built. Construction did not officially begin on the lighthouse until sometime after June 1823.
Image Credit: NPS Photo