The Ocracoke Lighthouse, constructed in 1823, is the oldest functioning lighthouse in North Carolina and one of the oldest in North America. For more than 200 years, its 75-foot tower has guided mariners through Ocracoke Inlet and watched over the inlet and village of Ocracoke. Predating all other inlets on the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Inlet was one of the most important maritime features on the southeast coast, providing valuable access to the ports of Elizabeth City, New Bern, and Edenton. Before 1846, it was the only nearby entry point into Pamlico Sound, since Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Inlet had not yet formed, making Ocracoke one of the most strategic coastal villages on the Outer Banks. The inlet remained treacherous despite the lighthouse, with numerous shoals that had to be navigated safely. Supporting the lighthouse were a dozen brave keepers and their families, who lived nearby in the keepers’ quarters and worked day and night to keep the light operating, with wives and children often helping haul oil, trim wicks, and clean the lenses. Today, though automated, the Ocracoke Light continues to serve as an active aid to navigation in partnership with the United States Coast Guard.