The groundbreaking ceremony marks the commencement of a refurbishment and fortification project for several structures at the Ocracoke Light Station. This major restoration work has been scheduled to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the light station.
In celebration of its bicentennial, Ocracoke Light Station will kick-off a comprehensive repair and protection project. The groundbreaking is slated for December 7, 2023, at 2 p.m. As mentioned in a press release by the National Park Service, this quick 15-minute event will occur in front of Double Keepers' Quarters, which is one of the structures set to be elevated and repaired over a span of twelve months. Several other smaller-scale projects will also commence under this rehabilitation initiative including elevating structures such as Store House, Carpenter's Shop, Generator House and Privy by two feet; mold, lead-based paint and asbestos mitigation; interior and exterior repair due to storm damages; and installing a pathway from the boardwalk leading to a custom lift for Double Keepers' Quarters.
Ocracoke Light Station holds immense historical value as it was first constructed in 1794 on Shell Castle Island located between Ocracoke and Portsmouth Island. However, the original lighthouse only served for two decades as per records available on the National Park Service's website which dedicates itself to narrating the history of the light station. A fund allocation of $20,000 was approved by Congress in 1822 to construct the lighthouse at Ocracoke Island's southern end which was completed in 1823 and lit up on August 15, 1824. Notably, it stands as the third oldest lighthouse in America while holding position as North Carolina's oldest operating lighthouse.
September witnessed an awarding of $3.6 million construction contract to Terra Site Constructors LLC based out of Front Royal, Virginia by the National Park Service. This project aims at restoring structures damaged by wind and flooding caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
Although the lighthouse remains off-limits for climbing, the base will be open to visitors from 11:45 a.m. till 2:45 p.m. on December 7. Post the brief groundbreaking ceremony, Double Keepers' Quarters will be accessible for an hour as per the news release from the National Park Service.
