Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Currituck Beach Lighthouse is an iconic structure located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It is an active lighthouse, which means that it is still used to help ships navigate through the water and avoid the dangers of the coastline. The lighthouse was built in the late 1800s and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.
History of the Lighthouse’s Construction
Currituck Beach Lighthouse began construction in 1873 and was completed in 1875. The lighthouse was designed by James Walker, who was also responsible for overseeing its construction. The purpose of the lighthouse was to help guide ships safely through the treacherous waters of the Outer Banks, which were notorious for their dangerous shoals and shifting sandbars.
Design of the Lighthouse
Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a stunning example of Victorian architecture. It is made of red brick and features a spiral staircase that leads to the top. The lighthouse also has a conical shape, which is common in many lighthouses. The light at the top of the lighthouse is visible for up to 18 miles, making it an important navigation aid for ships passing through the area.
Physical Characteristics of the Lighthouse
Currituck Beach Lighthouse stands at 162 feet tall and is located on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse has a diameter of 54 feet at the base and tapers to 20 feet at the top. The lighthouse is made of approximately one million bricks and is painted with distinctive black and white bands to help it stand out from the surrounding landscape.
Number of Floors in Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Currituck Beach Lighthouse has seven floors in total. The first floor is the entrance level, which also houses a small gift shop and museum. The next five floors make up the living quarters for the lighthouse keepers and their families. The top floor is where the light is located.
Staircase Design in the Lighthouse
The spiral staircase in Currituck Beach Lighthouse is one of its most impressive features. It is made of cast iron and winds all the way to the top of the lighthouse. The staircase is also decorated with ornate patterns that add to the lighthouse’s overall aesthetic.
Rungs on the Staircase
There are 220 rungs on the spiral staircase in Currituck Beach Lighthouse. These rungs are made of cast iron and are spaced approximately 8 inches apart.
Height of Each Flight of Stairs
The height of each flight of stairs in Currituck Beach Lighthouse varies depending on the floor. The first flight of stairs is the highest, measuring 10 feet, 10 inches in height. The next four flights of stairs are approximately 8 feet, 6 inches in height. The final flight of stairs that leads to the light is approximately 8 feet tall.
Steps in Each Flight of Stairs
Each flight of stairs in Currituck Beach Lighthouse consists of approximately 15 steps. The steps are relatively narrow, measuring approximately 8 inches in width.
Total Number of Stairs in Currituck Beach Lighthouse
In total, there are 220 steps in Currituck Beach Lighthouse. This includes all seven floors and the stairway that leads to the light at the top of the lighthouse.
Conclusion: Ascending Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Ascending Currituck Beach Lighthouse is an experience that is not to be missed. The spiral staircase provides visitors with a unique perspective on the lighthouse’s architecture and history. The climb to the top is well worth it, as the view from the top is breathtaking. Visitors to the lighthouse should be prepared for a strenuous climb, but the experience is one that will be remembered for years to come.
References: Sources for the Information Provided
- https://www.currituckbeachlight.com/
- https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/maritime/cur.htm
- https://www.visitcurrituck.com/explore-the-area/attractions/currituck-beach-lighthouse/
