The Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Corolla, North Carolina, USA. It stands 162 feet tall and was first lit in 1875. The lighthouse is made of bricks and has a black-and-white spiral pattern. It is a popular tourist attraction and is open for visitors to climb to the top for a stunning view of the surrounding area.
Historical background of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was built to guide ships safely through the dangerous Diamond Shoals. The construction began in 1873 and was completed in 1875. The lighthouse was operated by the United States Coast Guard from 1939 to 1936 and was opened to the public in 1990. Today, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a testament to American engineering and is a well-preserved landmark.
The design of Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was designed by James Walker, a prominent lighthouse architect of the 19th century. The lighthouse has a cylindrical shape and features a black-and-white spiral pattern. The design of the lighthouse is unique because it does not have a watchroom or a lantern gallery. Instead, the light is housed in a lantern room at the top of the tower.
The color scheme of lighthouses
Lighthouses have a long history of using specific color schemes. Originally, lighthouses were painted with a simple white coat to make them visible during the day. However, as technology improved, lighthouses began to be painted in distinctive colors to make them more visible from a distance. The colors used depended on the location of the lighthouse, the type of beacon, and the visibility required.
The role of color in lighthouse design
The color of a lighthouse plays a crucial role in its design. The color can make the lighthouse more visible from a distance, and it can also be used to identify the lighthouse’s location. The color scheme of a lighthouse can also reflect the identity of the region it serves. For example, a lighthouse on the coast of Maine might be painted red and white to reflect the state’s maritime history.
The color of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse: conflicting views
There is some disagreement about the original color of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Some historians believe that the lighthouse was originally painted red, while others argue that it was always black-and-white. The debate about the color of the lighthouse has led to controversy and confusion among visitors to the site.
The controversy surrounding the color of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The controversy surrounding the color of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse has been ongoing for many years. Some visitors to the lighthouse claim that it was originally painted red, while others insist that it has always been black-and-white. The conflicting views have led to debates and arguments among visitors and historians alike.
Evidence supporting the current color of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Despite the conflicting views, there is evidence to suggest that the Currituck Beach Lighthouse was always painted black-and-white. Historical documents and photographs from the time of construction show the lighthouse with its distinctive black-and-white spiral pattern. Additionally, visitors to the lighthouse in the 19th century described it as being black-and-white.
The process of painting the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is regularly painted to maintain its distinctive black-and-white spiral pattern. The process involves cleaning the exterior of the tower, repairing any damage, and applying a fresh coat of paint. The painting process can take several weeks to complete and requires skilled painters with experience working on lighthouses.
The significance of the color of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The color of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is significant because it is a part of the lighthouse’s identity. The black-and-white spiral pattern is recognizable and has become a symbol of the lighthouse’s importance to the region. The color is also important for safety reasons, as it makes the lighthouse more visible to ships and boats approaching the shore.
Conclusion: Why the color of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse matters
In conclusion, the color of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is an important aspect of its design and history. Despite the controversy surrounding its original color, the evidence suggests that it was always painted black-and-white. The color is significant because it contributes to the lighthouse’s identity and plays an important role in its function as a beacon of safety for ships and boats at sea. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a testament to American engineering and remains an important landmark in the region today.
References and further reading
- "Currituck Beach Lighthouse." Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. .
- "The Currituck Beach Lighthouse: A Symbol of Hope and Safety." Currituck County Travel and Tourism. https://www.visitcurrituck.com/about/currituck-beach-lighthouse/.
- "Lighthouse Color Schemes." Lighthouse Friends. .
