Bodie Island Lighthouse
PANICd#: 2168
Publication date: 03/26/2025
The current Bodie Island Lighthouse (pronounced “body island”) is the third that has stood in this vicinity of Bodie Island on the Outer Banks in North Carolina and was built in 1872.
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd
Nags Head , NC 27959
Open to the public: Yes
https://www.nps.gov/articles/bodiei...
Lat: 35.825382
Lon: -75.563423
Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 0
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 2
Evidence: 0
Resources: 2
Retrievals: 2642
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
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History
History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
In reality, the lighthouses that came before Bodie Island were located on Pea Island, south of Oregon Inlet, in a region that is now submerged as a result of the inlet's migration to the south. Construction of the initial structure began in 1847, but its inadequate foundation led to its closure in 1859. In 1861, fleeing Confederate troops destroyed the second structure, built in 1859. They feared the Union might use it as an observation post during the Civil War. 1872 was the year that saw the completion of the third and current lighthouse, which still retains its original first-order Fresnel lens. The construction of this lighthouse took place on a fifteen-acre location further north and more inland. The National Park Service took over the Bodie Island Lighthouse in 1953 after converting it into an automated system in 1932. Additionally, oil-fueled electrical generators transformed the light into an electric lamp. It was not until 1940 that the lighthouse was completely automated, but until then, it was staffed. 1953 was the year that the generators were disconnected, and the commercial electric grid became the source of electricity consumption.
Bodie Island Light Station, 1893 - Library of CongressClick on the image to enlarge/zoom
Added by: sdonley on 03/26/2025
DB#:705
Source(s):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodie_Island_Lightho...
Stories
Stories are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location. This section could also contain research notes as well.
Bodie Island Lighthouse (pronounced Body) was abandoned twelve years after its original build in 1847 due to a poor foundation. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1859 but was blown up in 1861 by retreating Confederate troops who feared the Union would use it to their advantage for navigation. The gatekeeper's cottage, a white building located on the lighthouse grounds, is said to be haunted by a lingering spirit. Every day at 4:00 PM on the dot, you can hear a loud knock from behind its large brick fireplace. No one knows what or who lies behind it.
Gray Ghost haunts the shoreline during an impending severe storm or hurricane. The mysterious "gray" man was killed in the 1900s when an abrupt storm hit the beach during summer. He appears as a misty apparition and can oftentimes be caught on pier cams or seen silently walking the coast or roaming the lighthouses.
Added by: sdonley on 03/26/2025 DB#: 1677
Source(s):
https://www.outerbanks.org/blog/post/haunted-hallo...
Paranormal Claims
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.
| Claim # | Added | Added By | Claim |
| 3662 | 03/26/2025 | sdonley | A loud knocking sound comes from behind the fireplace every day at 4 p.m. in the keeper's house. |
| 3663 | 03/26/2025 | sdonley | The apparition of the Gray Ghost appears on the grounds before any strong storm hits the region. |
Additional Resources
This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| Wikipedia Entry
Added: 03/26/2025 By: sdonley |
Wikipedia entry for this location. |
| Spooky Outer Banks: Part II - Resort Realty of the Outer Banks
Added: 03/26/2025 By: sdonley |
Last year to get you in the Halloween spirit, we told you 5 ghost tales of the Outer Banks. This year, we’re bringing you 5 more! Learn about some of the spookiest tales of the Outer Banks. Who knows, maybe on your next vacation you’ll encounter one of these spooky sightings. The Haunted Whalehead Portrait … Continue reading Spooky Outer Banks: Part II |
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