The first of the Outer Banks' lighthouses was constructed in 1848 on Pea Island. Due to it's shoddy construction and poor soil conditions, the tower began to lean from it's sinking foundation. After attempts to repair the light, it was decided to build a second tower. The new light was blown up by the Confederacy in 1861. It wasn't until 1871 when the present lighthouse was built.
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The original lard oil-powered 1st order Fresnel lens was electrified in 1931, and still projects a strong warning beacon today. The active tower is not open for the public to climb. The light and adjacent structures were partially restored in July of 1997. I snapped this photo from a scenic 1/2 hour airplane ride along the Outer Banks for an unique perspective of the light and marsh.
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