Since the earliest days of European exploration, mariners have heard tales and relayed their own stories of North Carolina’s perilous shoreline. With bold capes jutting into the ocean, sandy shoals extending miles offshore, fickle weather, and treacherous currents, it is no wonder that the coastline of the Old North State came to be known as the “The Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

The inherent dangers of traveling North Carolina’s coast long ago gave rise to a fascinating and world-renowned strand of lighthouses and lifesaving stations from Currituck to Cape Fear. For more than two centuries, these bright beacons of safety have guided ships into busy harbors, signaled dangerous navigational obstacles, and warmed the hearts of homesick travelers.

Their unique shapes and stoic beauty, as well as the adventures and lore that surround them, have elevated North Carolina’s lighthouses to a legendary level far beyond their practical purposes. Indeed, they have become symbols of a brave and triumphant way of life.

As the use of satellite navigation increases, many of the lighthouses along the coast are being phased out of operation. Not surprisingly, a new wave of travelers have begun making pilgrimages, whether by land or sea, to visit these famous landmarks.

Tourists from all over the world now make the journey to lighthouses at Currituck Beach, Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and others. North Carolina Lighthouses and Lifesaving Stations presents to readers the tales behind the lighthouses, illuminating their past in both word and image.  $21.99

Buy It Here In Our Online Store!

Join JR Shanty Co. at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras for some sea shanties. No reservations are needed for the free program, which is part of the Salty Dawgs Lecture Series.

JR Shanty Co. is a musical group composed of wife/husband members Julianne Laird and Richard Workman. Julianne and Richard are from Western Pennsylvania and have long been fans of traditional sea shanties as well as contemporary songs of sailors and the sea.

Their performances include original, traditional, and often humorous songs accompanied by cello and guitar or sung acapella. They have always had a wondrous fascination with the sea and enjoy becoming one with it as they SUP (stand-up paddleboard) and sail.

In the summer they’ll often be found in the ocean or sound at North Carolina’s Outer Banks or making music at The Nags Head Pier House Restaurant or at Chicamicomico Life Saving Station Museum in Rodanthe, NC.

When not performing Julianne is a string music teacher in the Indiana (PA) Area School District. Richard is retired after teaching vocal music in the Laurel Highlands School District for 37 years. Both Julianne and Richard have earned Masters Degrees in Music.

Salty Dawgs Lecture Series: Sea Shanties and Songs of the Sea

It was on this August 7 in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers.

In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, Congress passed a resolution which designated August 7, 1989 as National Lighthouse Day.

There are more than 20 North Carolina lighthouses along our coast – one is the tallest in the United States! Six of these NC lighthouses are still open to visitors wanting to climb them.

Click Here to view a selection of museum quality prints of North Carolina lighthouses available in our IslandLife NC Store!