Roanoke Marshes Light, Historic lighthouse in Manteo, United States.
Roanoke Marshes Light is a reproduction of a historic lighthouse in North Carolina that stands 28 feet tall on sturdy pilings above the marsh with a white and red exterior and square house design. The structure sits near the Manteo Boardwalk and is surrounded by marshland that defines the coastal ecology of this region.
The original structure from 1877 helped mariners safely navigate Croatan Sound until 1955, when it was replaced by an automated light system. This change marked a shift toward modern navigation technology along this coast.
The lighthouse represents the coastal community's deep connection to maritime life and the era when merchant ships navigated these waters regularly. Locals view it as a symbol of the region's seafaring past that remains part of daily conversations.
Visitors can reach the lighthouse via the Manteo Boardwalk, where interpretive signs explain the local ecosystem and maritime history along the path. The walk is easy to navigate and offers several viewing areas overlooking the marsh.
The original structure sank into the bay during a relocation attempt and remains lost beneath the water. The current building was erected in 2004 by the Maritime Museum as a replacement.
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