How to Visit the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse in Edenton NC

Published by Christina Riley. Last Updated on August 8, 2024.

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A visit to the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse is one of the most popular things to do in Edenton, a wonderful small town in Eastern North Carolina and the state’s first colonial capital. Our guide to facts about North Carolina digs deeper into the “first capital” issue.

For this guide, we’re here to discuss the lighthouse, which is North Carolina‘s only surviving screw-pile lighthouse and the only one that remains in Edenton today.

Before you visit this bucket list-worthy place, our article will delve into the Roanoke River Lighthouse’s history, background, and everything else you need to know.

The 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse (History and Background)

Address: 7 Dock St, Edenton, NC 27932
Official Website

Roanoke River Lighthouse suspended over the water

The 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse (a.k.a. The Edenton Lighthouse) was completed in 1887 after fire and ice damaged its predecessor.

The lighthouse in Edenton, NC, also originally stood at the entrance of the Roanoke River in the Albemarle Sound, across from its current location.

It was commissioned from 1887 to 1941, when it was then deactivated and abandoned by the Coast Guard. The lighthouse sat vacant for more than 15 years before it was sold to Elijah Tate, a former employee.

He then sold it to Emmet Wiggins, who was a World War II Navy Engineer Captain. Wiggins achieved the impossible by transporting the lighthouse to Filbert’s Creek.

The Edenton NC lighthouse remained a private residence for the next 40 years until the Edenton Historical Commission acquired it in 2007. Since then, the EHC has moved the lighthouse to where it currently sits by the waterfront and has begun to restore it.

What is a Screw-Pile Lighthouse?

a closer up picture of Roanoke River Lighthouse with a bridge leading out over the water to the suspended building

The Roanoke River Lighthouse is popular for a number of reasons, the main one being its unique structure as a screw-pile lighthouse. A screw-pile lighthouse is one that resides on sandy or muddy river bottoms.

The piles that hold up the structure are screwed into the land to maintain stability during heavy storms. Screw-piles were mainly constructed in the Chesapeake Bay, North Carolina sounds, and river entrances.

Screw-pile lighthouses are quite different from traditional straight-pile lighthouses in that they are made of hexagonal wooden buildings and a cupola for viewing.

While straight-pile lighthouses are scattered throughout North Carolina (for example, Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks), the Roanoke River Lighthouse is the last screw-pile lighthouse in North Carolina and the last original screw-pile left in the world.

Visiting the Roanoke River Lighthouse Today (Admission Info and Hours)

a woman holding a book with pictures of the Roanoke lighthouse over the years

Located near Colonial Park, the ramp to the lighthouse deck (and nearby playground) is handicap accessible.

Unlike some other North Carolina lighthouses, the Roanoke River Lighthouse does not have many steps to climb. The interior of the lighthouse has been outfitted to look the same as it did when it was still in use.

It’s easy to sit down and imagine what a day living at this lighthouse would be like.

an antique desk inside the lighthouse with a map and some old decorative items

Like most NC Historic Sites, the Roanoke River Lighthouse is open from Tuesday to Saturday (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). At the time of writing, a ticket for a guided tour is required to enter.

Tours run from Tuesday to Saturday (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), and you can either buy your ticket on-site or at the Historic Edenton Visitor’s Center (108 Broad St).

We also recommend visiting the Penelope Barker House to learn more about the Edenton Tea Party. This is also where you can buy tickets for the trolley.

Ready to Visit the Roanoke River Lighthouse?

a pier leading out to a view of a white lighthouse from across the water

Even if you’re not a history or fact lover like us, we think you’ll really enjoy the Roanoke River Lighthouse. It’s a truly unique relic from a previous time and one that we hope people continue visiting.

In case you’ve been lucky enough to visit, we’d love to know about your experiences here and in Edenton. This is such a wonderful spot to explore in North Carolina, and we think everyone should know about it!

Let us know in the comments below or by email. You can also share your Edenton adventures with us in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!