Cape Fear Light, Historic lighthouse on Bald Head Island, United States
Cape Fear Light is a lighthouse on Bald Head Island that originally featured red and white horizontal stripes and rose 184 feet high. The complex includes three keepers' houses and a storage building constructed in 1903, all now protected as a historic site.
The lighthouse was built in 1903 and operated until 1958 as a critical navigation aid for ships in the dangerous waters off the coast. It was among the most important guides for maritime traffic in this region of North Carolina.
The lighthouse served as a symbol of maritime safety for the local community and shaped the island's character for generations. Visitors can still see the keepers' houses today, revealing how deeply the structure was woven into island life.
Reaching this location requires taking a boat to the island, as it is only accessible by water. Plan your visit during calmer weather conditions, as the crossing can take considerable time depending on water conditions.
The French-made Fresnel lens that was the heart of the lighthouse was disassembled after its shutdown and sold in pieces to an antique dealer. This unusual fate of a critical navigation instrument adds a surprising chapter to the site's history.
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