Cartaret County Lighthouses Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Cartaret County Lighthouses Lighthouse
The Harbor Island Bar lighthouse, erected in 1867, was situated on King Fish Shoal, marking the western entry to Core Sound from Pamlico Sound. This channel, defined by widespread sandbars, presented considerable difficulty for passage, even for smaller craft. The tower was probably taken down in the 1950s, leaving its original square base. This base now holds a contemporary warning daybeacon. The location of the former lighthouse can be reached by boat, providing an opportunity to consider its past function in directing vessels through these shallow, shifting channels. The entry it once indicated is now largely filled with sand.
Why it matters: The original base of the Harbor Island Bar lighthouse maintains a navigational purpose, currently supporting a modern daybeacon that alerts vessels to the hazardous King Fish Shoal.
Tower & Structure
Structure: The Harbor Island Bar lighthouse, established in 1867, once guided mariners navigating the intricate waters of King Fish Shoal. Situated on the western approach to Core Sound from Pamlico Sound, its presence was crucial for vessels attempting to traverse this often-challenging entrance. The area, known for its extensive shoals, has always presented a formidable obstacle, making reliable navigational aids indispensable for even small craft. Sadly, the lighthouse itself met its end, likely demolished sometime in the 1950s, leaving behind only its sturdy original square platform. Today, this enduring platform continues its silent vigil, now supporting a modern warning daybeacon. While the lighthouse tower is long gone, its site remains accessible by boat, allowing visitors to reflect on its past role in safeguarding passage through these shallow, shifting channels. The entrance it once marked is now almost completely shoaled, a testament to the dynamic nature of coastal environments.
Location
- City
- Bald Head Island
- Country
- 🇺🇸United States
- Region
- North Carolina
- Sea Region
- Located on King Fish Shoal, the west side of the entrance to Core Sound from Pamlico Sound. This entrance is almost completely shoaled and open only to small craft.
- Latitude
- 33.8458°
- Longitude
- -77.9668°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Southport(4.9 km)
- USCG No.
- 2-34320
- ARLHS No.
- USA-1160
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 1867
Significant events: Demolished, probably in the 1950s
Visiting
- Open to public
- Site open, tower closed
Nearby Vessels
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