Does Old Baldy Lighthouse still work?

In 1988, the historic light was relit but no longer serves as an “official” navigational aid. Today, Old Baldy Lighthouse and the adjacent reconstructed keeper’s cottage are open to the public.

What makes Old Baldy so special to North Carolina?

Bald Head Island’s Old Baldy, North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse, has kept watch during the Civil War, two world wars, the Great Depression, and weathered countless storms and fierce hurricanes. The structure has also retained its distinct Federal octagonal shape through the years.

Can you go inside Old Baldy?

Old Baldy, North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse and one of three that once graced Bald Head Island, is only a short walk from the ferry landing. Admission to the Smith Island Museum of History allows you to climb Old Baldy’s 108 steps for an incomparable view of the island.

Who built Old Baldy?

Daniel Way
Daniel Way built Old Baldy at 110 feet tall and with 108 steps in 1816 for just more than $15,000. Yet Old Baldy was not the first lighthouse on the island. The first Bald Head Island lighthouse, commissioned by Thomas Jefferson, was begun in 1789 and was lit at the end of 1794.

Does Bald Head Island have a lighthouse?

Old Baldy, built 1817, is North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse.

What year was Old Baldy Lighthouse built?

1817
Old Baldy Quick Facts: Bald Head Island Lighthouse was built in 1817. It is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. It cost just under $16,000 to build. The structure is 109 feet and 10-3/4 inches tall, made of brick and coated with cement.

Who built Bald Head Lighthouse?

Abisha Woodward
The task of finishing the lighthouse on Bald Head Island was overseen by Abisha Woodward, who would later build two lighthouses in Connecticut: New London Harbor and Falkner’s Island.

Can you buy alcohol on Bald Head Island?

While the Maritime Market has an extensive selection of wine and beer, they do not currently offer packaged liquor.

Who built Bald Head Island?

Thomas Frank Boyd
Efforts to develop Bald Head Island as a tourist destination began as early as 1916, when Thomas Frank Boyd paid $45,000 for the entire Smith Island complex, consisting of Bald Head Island, Middle Island, Bluff Island, and assorted patches of migratory marshland.

How tall is the Bald Head Island?

Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Bald Head Island
Elevation	5 ft (2 m)
Population (2010)
• Total	158
• Estimate (2019)	182