Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Corolla, United States.
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse in North Carolina that rises to 49 meters tall with distinctive red brick construction. The tower includes a gallery and lantern at the top, alongside a keeper's house that originally supported the lighthouse operation.
Built in 1875, the lighthouse was constructed to fill a critical gap in coastal navigation between two other lighthouses. Its design by architect Paul J. Pelz represented a significant improvement in maritime safety for the region at that time.
The structure represents maritime heritage along North Carolina's Outer Banks and serves as a central gathering point for local events. Its distinctive red brick appearance makes it a recognizable landmark that connects people to the region's coastal history.
Visitors can climb approximately 220 original steps to reach the gallery at the top and enjoy the surrounding views. A first-order Fresnel lens inside remains in active use for maritime navigation and can be observed during the visit.
Unlike many other lighthouses in the region, this structure retains its natural red brick exterior without the typical white or striped paint schemes. This uncommon choice makes it visually distinctive and contributes to its recognizable appearance along the coast.
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