Outer Banks Lighthouse Exhibit

Posted on March 4, 2011

Outer Banks - Bodie Island Lighthouse Aerial, Restoration

Have you seen the Bodie Island Lighthouse lately? Surrounded by scaffolding the lighthouse is getting a make-over and will be the subject of an upcoming exhibit this Friday March 4, hosted by the Outer Banks History Center.

The news is a sigh of relief from previous reports that the Outerbanks Lighthouse Restoration Hits a Snag, noting multiple safety issues that could substantially delay completion of the restoration process.

Did you know there have been three Bodie Island Lighthouses?! This historic lighthouse, first lit in 1872, is welcoming its 3^rd large restoration project. The first Bodie Island Lighthouse sunk in on one side because of poor foundation and the second one was demolished by Confederate soldiers. The third time will surely be a charm.

Be sure to join the friends of the OBHC, the staff and members of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society for the opening reception Friday March 4, 2011 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Here you will be able to learn more about this historic lighthouse as well as other early Navigational Aids in America. You can also enjoy a lighthouse keeper’s favorite meal of biscuit and beans and further information on the restoration of this famous OBX landmark.

Outer Banks Nature at Bodie Island Lighthouse

Posted on March 31, 2010

Bodie Island Lighthouse - Outer Banks

Bodie Island Lighthouse is a main Outer Banks attraction, but what most visitors do not realize is the that there is a series of trails that offer some of the most scenic walks the OBX has to offer.

The trails wind through the marsh south of Oregon Inlet and through the nearby Bodie Island Lighthouse. These trails are not extremely difficult to find. Head south on Route 12 and turn toward Bodie Island Lighthouse. You will have to keep an eye out for the entrance, but it is opposite from Coquina Beach.

For a little history, Bodie Island was once called Bodies’ Island, allegedly because bodies of shipwrecked sailors washed on shore there. The lighthouse is very close to Oregon Inlet, where many ships have been shipwrecked over the years.

There is an account in “An Outer Banks Reader,” by C. O. Boutelle of a Mr. Midgett who lived on the island and couldn’t get to his house one September storm in 1846 because of the high water. He had to sit on his horse during the storm and hope his home and family were okay while the sound and ocean did their work of cutting a new inlet.

Bodie Island Lighthouse Restoration

You may wonder why there are hunting lodges in the sound if you cross the Bonner Bridge. Both Bodie Island and Pea Island to the south have been the winter home of many species of birds for hundreds of years. You will not want to forget your binoculars and bird identifier book so you can add a few new feathered folk to your life list.

The current events at Bodie Island Lighthouse are pretty active; the lighthouse is currently under some much need renovation, so hopefully the view from the top will be available in the near future.

Progress Made on Outer Banks Lighthouse Restoration

Posted on February 11, 2010

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Progress on Bodie Island Lighthouse Restoration Project

Bodie Island Lighthouse in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is in the process of undergoing major restorations. As the project progresses, the National Park Service will provide periodic updates.

The work is being accomplished by restoration contractors, Progressive Contracting Company, LLC from Edenton, NC, United Builders Group, LLC from New Bern, NC and the metal restoration work will be handled by Enberg Mold and Tool from Jacksonville, FL.

Despite inclement weather, the work is progressing very well. Work accomplished to date includes:

Exterior scaffolding erection is 98% complete
Documentation of existing windows that will require repair
Work with the negative air contractor to put a system in place while the work is conducted
Metal patterns being made and molded
Temporary shed structure at Oil House 50% complete
Interior scaffolding started
Temporary interior floor protection installed

For more information on this project, contact the Public Affairs Office at 252-473-2111 ext. 148.

Outer Banks Lighthouse Set for Restoration

Posted on September 11, 2009

Bodie Island Lighthouse Bodie Island Light Station is set for much needed restoration.

The grounds and surrounding buildings are in the first stages of preparation for major restoration at the Bodie Island Light Station, just south of Nags Head.

Three historic buildings were recently relocated from the oceanfront to the station’s entrance road in preparation for rehabilitation. Two of the buildings that were relocated, a boathouse built in 1916 and a life saving station from 1879, will be secured on pilings near the lighthouse on the west side of N.C. 12 and prepared for future use. The buildings are expected to be used as a ranger station and garage. The third building, a Coast Guard station built in 1925, will be boarded up until funds are secured to restore it. It’s future use is still undecided, but it could become a visitor center, lifeguard housing or education center. Once funds are secured for the restoration, there will be a public meeting to determine future use.

The restoration project is estimated at $4.5 million. In addition to the restoration of the three buildings, the project will include:

Restoration of the tower and original lens from 1872. Workers this month are prepping the lighthouse by removing the original First Order Fresnel lens.
A new boardwalk from the lighthouse to the Pamlico Sound
Replacing the roof and walkway at the lightkeeper’s station
Widening the entrance road and adding bike paths

When the project is completed visitors will be able to climb the to the top of the lighthouse and see the amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound for the first time in decades. The improved light station should develop increased popularity because visitor’s have not been able to climb it for so long, and it is located in close proximity to the more urban areas of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk.

Outer Banks Lighthouse Misses Out on Restoration Contest

Posted on October 31, 2008

Bodie Island Lighthouse was one of three finalists in a national lighthouse restoration contest that ended September 7. Jeld-Wen Windows & Doors held the contest to determine which lighthouse was most deserving of new windows and doors.

The New Canal Lighthouse in New Orleans was announced as the winner this week.

Bodie Island Lighthouse is in dire need of restoration, and these new windows and doors would have been a welcomed improvement, but unfortunately it will have to wait for next year’s contest. In the meantime, restoration is under progress, but funds are very limited.

Outer Banks Lighthouse Chosen as a Finalist for Restoration

Posted on September 25, 2008

Bodie Island Lighthouse, located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, has been selected as a finalist in a restoration contest sponsored by JELD-WEN of Klamath Falls, Ore., a window and door manufacturer.

The lighthouse is one of three finalists. 50 lighthouses were nominated initially, and the public poll cut 12 finalists to three last week. The finalists are Bodie Island, Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Michigan, and New Canal Lighthouse in Louisiana.

JELD-WEN will evaluate the lighthouses and determine a winner later this year.