This detailed replica of the
lighthouse represents the second in
a series of three important Roanoke
River Light Stations. The first,
commissioned in 1810 by the United
States Lighthouse Service, was
actually a three-masted lightship
anchored at the mouth of the river.
Whale-oil lights covered with red,
green & blue lenses helped sailors
find safe entrance to the river.
This early light vessel came into
the hands of the
Confederacy during
the Civil War and was retaken by
Union forces when they captured the
town of Plymouth. Historians think
the station may have been taken
up-river and scuttled with other
vessels to block the passage of the
famous ironclad Ram Albemarle.
The
original of this replica, a graceful
screwpile design built in 1866,
replaced the first light vessel.
Later that year, a winter storm
froze the Albemarle Sound and the
thawing ice cut two of the pilings,
causing one side of the station to
become partially submerged. A third station was built in
1887 and remained until it was
decommissioned in the 1950s and
removed.
See
the chronology
of the light, below, but for the
full, fascinating story visit the
Roanoke River Lighthouse in Downtown
Plymouth. Plan time to explore the
Roanoke River Maritime Museum, just
across the street.
And
while you're there, don't miss the
acclaimed Port o' Plymouth Museum
at the east end of Water Street, the
adjacent Rail Switch Nature Trail
(one of NC Birding Trail's featured
spots), the Wildife Museum
midway down the same street,
historic walking tours, and lots of
shops and eateries. Visit
the
Town of Plymouth Web site or the
Washington County, NC Web site
for more information about these and
other attractions.
Open
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through
Saturday. For other times, or for
group or special tours, please make
arrangements by calling (252)
217-2204. From US Highway 64, follow
the signs to Downtown Plymouth. Ample free parking for
cars, buses and RVs convenient to
attractions.
Congress approves money for
lightship in Albemarle Sound
to aid mariners sailing to
and from Plymouth, NC
1835
Lightship was built and put
into service about two miles
from mouth of Roanoke. It
became one of ten floating
beacons anchored in NC
waters between 1823 and
1836. G.W. Charles and D.M.
McDonald are
superintendents.
1857
Thornton Jenkins, secretary
of the Light-House Board,
reports that lightships are
in need of “frequent and
expensive repairs” and will
soon have to be rebuilt or
replaced by lighthouses.
1861
April: the Civil War begins
and plans to replace Roanoke
River Lightship are halted.
Later, the Confederate
States government in
Richmond takes control of
all light stations in
seceded states and appoints
Joseph Ramsey superintendent
of the Roanoke River
Lightships.
1861
September: Ramsey hires a
steamboat to tow the
lightship upriver to
Williamston. The move is
made in response to an order
by Confederate officials to
prevent the lightship from
being a navigation aid to
federal ships.
1866
The first Roanoke River
Lighthouse is built about
six miles downriver from
Plymouth, on the east side
of the channel in Batchelors
Bay off the Albemarle Sound.
Thomas Clifton is appointed
first keeper and William H.
Williams is assistant
keeper.
1885
March: Fire started and
quickly raged through the
lighthouse, completely
destroying it.
1885
Late summer: Lighthouse at
the mouth of the Roanoke put
into service.
1886
January: Temperatures are so
cold for such a period of
time that the Albemarle
Sound freezes. Ice damages
the building beyond repair,
causing part of the
structure to become
submerged.
A Temporary light is rigged
to replace the collapsed
structure.
1886
September: Work begins on a
second Roanoke River
Lighthouse.
1887
February: Keeper and crew
took charge while painters
finished last details of new
lighthouse. This is the
third Roanoke River
Lighthouse in two years.
1950s
This third lighthouse
remains in service until
being de-commissioned in the
early 1950s. It is bought
and removed to Edenton as a
private residence in 1955.
completed 2003
A replica was built, using
the plans for the second
Roanoke River Lighthouse.
Roanoke
River Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
West Water
Street, Downtown Plymouth, NC
Phone: 252-217-2204 Email:
info@roanoakeriverlighthouse.org
Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Tuesday thru Saturday, and by
appointment
