Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse - Manteo North Carolina

104 Fernando St, Manteo, NC 27954​

Standing at the end of a short pier in the town of Manteo, this replica is an exterior reproduction of the former 1877 Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse that once stood guard at the southern entrance to Croatan Sound from Pamlico Sound near Wanchese​

Prints & Downloads

Lighthouse Prints

Videos to download

Map

Location

Croatan Sound linked Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, once a heavily traveled course for goods being shipped to major North Carolina ports by water. Like other bodies of water affected by winds and tides, shoaling occurred regularly in these shallow bodies of water, which caused hazards for all who travelled there. These smaller but significant lights helped warn captains to beware lurking dangers in shoals that could strand a boat, especially during and after a storm.

​​Google Maps HERE

History

There were three lighthouses named Roanoke Marshes. The first was built in 1831, the second in 1858, and the third one that was built in 1877 became the model on which the Town of Manteo based its exterior reproduction. This last Roanoke Marshes Light was one of a dozen “screwpile” lights in North Carolina with specially designed pilings screwed deep into the soft mud of the sounds for stability. 
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In 1939, all American lighthouses were taken over by the U.S. Coast Guard after the government dismantled the U.S. Lighthouse Service. The 1877 light served under the supervision and maintenance of the coast guard until 1955 when it was decommissioned. Afterward, the lighthouse was sold to an individual who tried to relocate it by floating the structure on a barge. Unfortunately, the lighthouse fell overboard in rough waters; it was destroyed beyond repair and lost to history.

Photography

EASY Access - A parking lot is next to the lighthouse.  

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.
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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.