Cape Lookout Lighthouse - North Carolina

1800 Island Rd Cape Lookout, NC

The Cape Lookout Light Station has developed a rich and colorful history following its first authorized federal funding in 1804. One year later, a four-acre parcel was deeded to the government and construction began on the much-needed beacon. The land was located at the south end of beautiful Core Banks Island, named for the Coree Indians. A lighthouse was finally completed in 1812.​

Prints & Downloads

Lighthouse Prints

Videos to download

Map

Location

The Lighthouse can be reached only by passenger ferries (no vehicles allowed) or private boat since no roads or bridges touch the island where the tower is located.

A new visitor center, bathrooms, and shade shelter have been built at the lighthouse dock. The boardwalk from the dock leads to the lighthouse side of the keepers' quarters. 

​​Google Maps HERE

History

At the beginning of the Civil War, Confederates realized that the coast was vulnerable to Union attack and that the lighthouses could benefit Union ships.  As a response in early June of 1861, the Confederate Light House Bureau called for the Superintendent of Lights to “cause all the lenses, fixtures, and apparatus of the Lighthouses to be removed to some place of safety with as little delay as possible.” Cape Lookout’s valuable first-order Fresnel lens was packed and moved to district storage just as would happen at all Southern lighthouses. Cape Lookout was not yet two years old.

Photography

EASY Access - After getting off the ferry on the island, the walk to the lighthouse is easy and it takes about 5 minutes.  

Time of day - This location is good for anytime of the day, however, sunset would be my choice as the sun would glow on lighthouse.  There are wild horses on the island and they are good for photography at high tide (Early afternoon)
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LENS - 35mm to 100mm is ideal for the lighthouse, however, you may wish to spend more time on the island doing bird photography.