Mission | Board Members | Grantors | Partners | Annual Events The Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime Museum at the west end of Water Street in Plymouth, NC, along with the Rail Switch Nature Trail at the east end, are projects of the Washington County Waterways Commission (WCWC).
The Washington County Waterways Commission is a registered non-profit 501-3(c) organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Mission The mission of the Washington County Waterways Commission is to collect, preserve, interpret and present the maritime history of Washington County and eastern North Carolina through education and tourism.
Board Members Doward Jones, Jr Chairman Harry Lewis Thompson Vice Chairman & Treasurer Brenda Conklin Secretary Russell Lee Darcie Tumey Michael Wright Jimmy Smith Grantors A North Carolina Department of Transportation Enhancement Grant provided major funding for the project. Additional funders are the Town of Plymouth, NC and the Washington County Travel and Tourism Authority. The properties are owned by the Town of Plymouth and are operated by the WCWC.
The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, has designated the Roanoke River Light as the Gateway to the Outer Banks Lighthouses and is represented at Plymouth with its own exhibit about the famous lighthouses along North Carolina's coast. Visitors to Plymouth can discover little-known facts about the state's river light system and build anticipation for their trip to the Outer Banks' exciting lights.
Annual events The Washington County Waterways Commission sponsors several popular events each year.
Cowboys on the Water, an evening of classic stories, fellowship and good food.
History of the Roanoke River Lighthouse
The Roanoke River Lighthouse is a proud symbol of the region's rich maritime past. The current structure is a meticulous reconstruction of the historic screw-pile lighthouse that once guided vessels through the often treacherous waters where the Roanoke River meets the Albemarle Sound. Original river lighthouses like this one were vital to the economic development of eastern North Carolina, ensuring safe passage for the flatboats, steamboats, and schooners that transported goods and people through the region's vast inland waterway network.
Designed to withstand the shifting currents and soft riverbed, screw-pile lighthouses featured a unique foundation of iron piles screwed into the river bottom, supporting a hexagonal wooden cottage with a lantern room on top. These architectural marvels dotted the sounds and rivers of North Carolina, but few survive today. The Plymouth reconstruction honors this engineering heritage and preserves the story of the brave keepers who maintained the light in all weather conditions, often living in isolation with their families for months at a time.
Although the original light was decommissioned in the mid-20th century as navigation technology changed, its legacy lives on through the museum's exhibits and the restored structure that now welcomes visitors from around the world. The lighthouse stands as a testament to the community's commitment to preserving its maritime identity and to the enduring importance of our inland waterways.
The screw-pile design was particularly well-suited to the soft, muddy bottoms of the sounds and rivers, where traditional masonry lighthouses were impractical. The piles were literally screwed into the riverbed using a large capstan, creating a stable platform that could withstand currents, ice floes, and even hurricanes. This ingenious engineering solution is a highlight of the museum's interpretive materials, with a detailed model demonstrating how the lighthouse was constructed.
Inside the Museum
Stepping inside the Roanoke River Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is like boarding a time machine to the heyday of river commerce. The lighthouse itself has been authentically furnished to reflect the living quarters of a late 19th-century keeper, complete with period furniture, household items, and tools of the trade. Visitors can climb the narrow stairs to the lantern room for a breathtaking view of the Roanoke River and surrounding landscape.
The adjacent museum building houses a wealth of exhibits that bring the region's maritime history to life. Interactive displays, historical photographs, and original artifacts tell the stories of the watermen, boat builders, and merchants who shaped Washington County. Highlights include:
- A detailed model of the original Roanoke River Lighthouse and its screw-pile foundation.
- Artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the Albemarle Sound.
- Exhibits on the shad and herring fisheries that once thrived in the Roanoke River.
- An exploration of the Civil War's impact on local waterways.
- Personal stories of lighthouse keepers and their families, drawn from diaries and letters.
In addition, the museum features a special exhibit from the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, which connects the Roanoke River Light to the famous coastal lighthouses of North Carolina. This exhibit provides a wonderful overview of the state's lighthouse heritage and encourages visitors to continue their journey to the Outer Banks.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that change throughout the year, highlighting specific aspects of local history, art, or culture. Recent exhibits have covered topics such as the Underground Railroad's water routes, the life of Civil War naval hero John W. Moore, and the ecology of the Roanoke River basin.
The Rail Switch Nature Trail
At the eastern end of Water Street, visitors will find the Rail Switch Nature Trail, a scenic walking path that follows the historic railroad right-of-way along the Roanoke River. This trail offers a peaceful escape into nature while providing interpretive signs about the area's natural and cultural history. It is an excellent complement to the maritime museum, showcasing the blend of transportation history and natural beauty that defines Plymouth.
The trail is suitable for all ages and provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and quiet reflection. Along the way, benches overlook the water, allowing hikers to watch for river otters, osprey, and a variety of waterfowl. The flat, gravel path stretches approximately one mile, making it an easy, leisurely walk that connects the museum to the heart of Plymouth's historic downtown.
The Rail Switch Nature Trail is maintained by the Washington County Waterways Commission in partnership with the Town of Plymouth, and it is free and open to the public year-round. It serves as a living classroom for environmental education and a reminder of the important role the railroad played in connecting the region's agricultural products to wider markets. Interpretive panels along the trail highlight the native flora and fauna, as well as the remnants of the railroad trestle that once carried trains across the river.
Education and Community Engagement
The Washington County Waterways Commission is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of maritime heritage among all ages. The museum offers a variety of educational programs for school groups, homeschoolers, and youth organizations. Hands-on activities such as knot tying, navigation skills, and maritime crafts give students a tangible connection to the past and align with North Carolina's educational standards for history and science.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts lectures, workshops, and special events that explore topics ranging from underwater archaeology to traditional boat building. These programs are made possible through the support of volunteers and community partners who share a passion for preserving local history. The museum also collaborates with East Carolina University's maritime studies program and other institutions to conduct research and share findings with the public.
Local schools frequently partner with the museum to enrich their North Carolina history curriculum, and the site serves as a valuable resource for researchers and genealogists tracing their family roots in the region. The museum's archives include maritime records, photographs, and oral histories that provide a unique window into the lives of Washington County's watermen and their families.
Support and Volunteer Opportunities
The Roanoke River Lighthouse & Maritime Museum relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to continue its mission. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions are tax deductible and directly support exhibit development, educational programming, and the ongoing preservation of the lighthouse and its collections.
There are many ways to get involved. Volunteers are always needed to greet visitors, lead tours, assist with special events, and help with collections care. Whether you have a few hours a month or can commit to a regular schedule, your time and talents make a real difference. The Commission also welcomes interns and students seeking experience in museum studies or public history.
For more information on how you can support the museum through donations, memberships, or volunteering, please visit our Contact page. We look forward to hearing from you and to welcoming you to Plymouth!