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Rick's Electronic Lighthouse Magazine
Featuring Original Lighthouse Photographs, Historical Information, and Personal Observations
Premier Issue - Christmas 1997
Tribute to Bodie Island Lighthouse, North Carolina
 Page 1 - History |
 Page 3 - Personal Observations |
 Page 2 - Current Information |
Rick's Electronic Lighthouse Magazine - Christmas 1997 - Page 1
History
The present light is the third light for "Bodie Island". In response to a need for a light between Cape Hatteras and Cape Henry, a site was selected in 1837 south of Oregon Inlet, actually on Pea Island. Complications concerning the purchase of a building site delayed construction until 1847. Unfortunately, the project overseer ordered an unsupported brick foundation laid and the 54 ft brick structure began to lean within two years. Despite many repair attempts, this lighthouse was abandoned in 1859. A replacement 80 ft structure, with a third order lens, was built nearby in 1859. Unfortunately, it was short lived as it was destroyed by retreating Confederate troops in 1861. The present lighthouse is 163 ft tall and was put into service in 1872. Bodie was built by the same crew that built Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in 1870 and Currituck Beach Lighthouse in 1875. Although the day marks contrast greatly between Bodie (22 ft high white and black bands) and Currituck (unpainted brick), they are of identical design. The present first order lens is the original lens, although it was heavily damaged by a bird strike shortly after it was put into service. The light was electrified in 1932, automated in 1954, and is still an active aid to navigation. The light pattern is 2.5 seconds on. 2.5 off, 2.5 on, 22.5 off and has a range of 19 miles.
Rick's Electronic Lighthouse Magazine - Christmas 1997 - Page 2
Current Information
The Station is still under ownership of the U.S. Coast Guard but managed by the National Park Service as part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The station is easily accessible via marked paved side road from NC Highway 12 a few miles south of Nags Head, NC (on the way to Cape Hatteras). The keeper quarters, a large two story brick duplex built in 1872, has been beautifully restored and currently houses a small museum and book store that are open during the summer months. The light is still active; however, the tower is closed to the public. There are nature trails and boardwalks through the surrounding marsh. All of these features make this a delightful light for everyone to visit.
Rick's Electronic Lighthouse Magazine - Christmas 1997 - Page 3
Personal Observations
It was a beautiful June morning when the old Cessna lifted of the Kitty Hawk airstrip for a sightseeing flight. After flying over the historic sand dunes of Kitty Hawk and over schools of stingrays in the clear waters off Nags Head, we circled around Bodie Island Lighthouse. My interest in lighthouses grew ten times that day. Since then, I have visited many other lighthouses throughout the US, but Bodie will always be that special one for me.
As you can see from the aerial photo, Bodie is currently a good distance from the waters edge. In the 125+ years since Bodie and Hatteras lights were built, the outer banks have undergone dynamic changes. While the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is currently being threatened with destruction by the forces of nature, the shoreline has been building away from Bodie Island Lighthouse. The young pilot said that day as we approached Bodie "it sure was a lot smarter for them to build Bodie further back from the shoreline than they did Cape Hatteras". Unfortunately, we are not that smart, nor is mother nature kind to all lighthouses.
This web site is published just for fun as way to combine my hobbies of photography, computers, and lighthouses. Please feel free to download any photos for your personal use and enjoyment; however, any commercial use is prohibited with prior permission. Please send any comments to Rick Sturgill(rcsturgill@aol.com). Thanks for stopping by!
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