Just as the sun drops below the western horizon, North Carolina's Cape Lookout Light Station begins its nighttime ritual, casting a powerful beam out into the Atlantic. The lighthouse is one of a group of distinctive beacons that mark the treacherous shoals all along North Carolina's Outer Banks. Nearing the southern tip of the Outer Banks, this lonely stretch of beach has seen more than its share of interesting history, from shipwrecks and pirates, to Civil War destruction and German U-boat patrols. Wartime activities offshore during World War II saw German submarines picking off American merchant ships. Often referred to as Torpedo Alley or the Atlantic turkey shoot, the carnage continued until a full blackout of all the Outer Banks lighthouses.
   The Cape Lookout National Seashore is made up of three undeveloped barrier islands which span a 55 mile stretch along the southern coast. The seashore can be reached by private boat or public ferry, and features plenty of space for recreation activities such as fishing, birding, windsurfing, shelling and primitive camping.
   The first Harkers Island Lighthouse, built in 1812, received much criticism. Topping out at 96 feet, the tower was too low to be effective and caused more problems than assistance. The second lighthouse, standing 163 feet, was built with nine foot thick walls to withstand hurricane force winds. Not long after it was completed the tower was tested by Confederate troops when they attempted to dynamite it. The lighthouse survives to this day.
   The Cape Lookout Light is still an active coastal light station and daytime navigational aid. Its distinctive black and white diamond pattern, easily seen by passing ships, adds a distinctive contrast to its beach surroundings.

   Travel Notes: Passenger ferries leave for the Cape Lookout Light Station from the Harkers Island Visitor Center throughout the year. Ferries leave for the Light Station from the Beaufort Visitor Information Center in the summer and by request at other times of the year. - NPS

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