Bodie Island Lighthouse is located just a few miles north of Oregon Inlet on Bodie Island - just south of Nags Head, North Carolina. This lighthouse has been in place since about 1870 or so. The current lighthouse is actually the 3rd to exist in this area. The first was located south of the Oregon Inlet on Pea Island and was constructed in 1847. It lasted for only 12 years and the area where it stood is now under water because of the migration of the inlet towards the south (*See previous post). A 2nd was built in 1859 but 2 years later was blown up by confederate troops during the civil war. The fear was that Union troops would use it as an observation post. The current (3rd) structure was not completed until 1871 at it's current location which is more inland towards Roanoke Sound.
Well known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic; the waters off the Outer Banks of North Carolina were and still can be treacherous to navigate. There are numerous shipwrecks all along the islands. Many are still visible today. Some of the wrecks were caused by German U-Boats during World War I & II. Each of the lighthouses along the Outer Banks (Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, & Currituck) have a unique appearance as well as light pattern. This way navigators can determine which light they see without knowing their precise location.
The lighthouse was not fully automated until 1940. Prior to that - the lighthouse was manned to ensure normal, consistent operation. The light was generator powered until the early 1950's when it was connected to the electrical grid. The United States National Park Service took over operation and maintenance by 1953. The light during operation is visible for approximately 22 miles. The original lens exists today, however, it has been renovated.
One local folktale I learned when I was a teen and first visited the area is quite interesting. The lighthouse is named for the Body family who once owned the land now known as Bodie Island. Locals pronounce Bodie like Body. The story goes that the island was named "Bodie" Island (pronounced Body) due to all the dead sailors that washed ashore from the numerous shipwrecks over a long period of time. With all the interesting shipwrecks in the region that makes for a pretty cool story!
So if you're in the area ever this is a must see (and must climb). When we visited in late October the lighthouse was already closed to the public for climbing for the season. Interestingly; there was a North Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources law enforcement officer (discreetly) atop the lighthouse during our visit with binoculars. He appeared to be watching hunters. Thanks for reading as always. I hope you enjoyed!
