Harbour Lights Bald Head NC

At the southernmost point of North Carolina's chain of barrier islands lies a place of remarkable beauty - Bald Head Island. Legendary in the maritime world, its ever-changing geography adds to its splendor, as well as its danger. Before the advancements of technology, American settlers had only maps, compasses and rudimentary light markers to use when approaching Cape Fear River. If you add-in rapidly forming (and disappearing) shoals, it's amazing that ships were able to make it through at all.

The very first lighthouse in North Carolina was erected on Bald Head Island, right where navigators needed it the most. The perilous conditions near Bald Head Island were increased by the presence of the nearby Frying Pan Shoals. These hazardous underwater obstacles extend more than twenty miles south of nearby Bald Head Island, known in its early days as Smith Island.

The first step in building North Carolina's first sentinel began with the approval of funds in 1784. The money was raised from duties levied on cargo carried along the Cape Fear River. Ten years later, the beacon was lit for the first time, guiding mariners for nearly two decades. During the War of 1812 a powerful waterspout destroyed the tower. (Its demise was inevitable, as erosion had been eating away at the foundation for years.)

Officials didn't allow the light to remain dark for long. Congress appropriated funds for a replacement station, selecting a 95-foot octagonal brick tower for the new sentinel. Completed in 1818, this remarkable feat of engineering still stands strong, having been built of the very best materials of its time. The lighthouse, affectionately called "Old Baldy", was originally lighted by fifteen whale oil lamps and reflectors and had a fixed white beacon with a focal plane of 109-feet above sea level. Although it was visible for 18 miles and was eventually refitted with a third order Fresnel lens, mariners still complained that the light was not powerful enough.

By the late 1880's, it became apparent that the light at Bald Head was not sufficient to warn vessels of the nearby shoals. A lightship called the Frying Pan was put into place in 1894, and in 1903, a majestic lighthouse was constructed on the southeast corner of the island. The new Cape Fear Light sported a powerful first order Fresnel lens and could be seen by ships for 19 nautical miles. Old Baldy was relegated to a fourth order harbor light and deactivated in 1935.

Today, Bald Head Lighthouse stands within a beautiful natural environment. Most of the island's 12,000 acres are forever preserved and protected from development. The sentinel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public for climbing. Visitors can appreciate the spectacular view afforded by the lantern room and marvel at the station's spacious interior due to the tower's wide base. Bald Head Lighthouse is cared for by the Old Baldy Foundation and is accompanied by a reproduction of the 1850's Keepers Quarters. Lighthouse enthusiasts can learn about life on Smith Island in that era and appreciate the nautical artifacts contained within the museum.

Our price: $45.00

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Manufacturer:	Harbour Lights
SKU:	HL442

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New Inventory Recently Received!

Miller's Lighthouse gets inventory in monthly so check back soon. If there is something you want but do not see please give us a call.

Many of our offerings can be passed down from generation to generation spreading love and smiles for years to come.

New Items received in the following line:

Worlds Fair Collection
Lighthouses

Children's Gifts

And as always, we carry a limited supply of discontinued lighthouses from various manufacturers. This inventory is hard to keep on the shelves and changes frequently so keep in touch and we will keep you updated.

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