Oak Island Light

Oak Island Light is a concrete lighthouse in Caswell Beach that rises 47 meters into the sky. The structure features a sequence of ships ladders instead of the traditional spiral stairs found in most towers.

The tower was completed in 1958 as North Carolina's final lighthouse, replacing the Cape Fear Light on Bald Head Island. This construction marked the end of an era of lighthouse building in the state.

The National Register of Historic Places recognizes this lighthouse as the single installation in the United States operated entirely by volunteer staff.

Visitors can tour the tower during the summer months when guided tours are offered at scheduled times. Access is fairly straightforward, and the ships ladder system allows people of average fitness to climb to the viewing level.

Between 1958 and 1962, this lighthouse generated the strongest light beam of any American lighthouse. This technical achievement made it a notable installation in the nation's maritime history.

Location: Caswell Beach

Inception: 1957

Height: 47 m

Made from material: concrete

GPS coordinates: 33.89290,-78.03500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41