When most people think of a lighthouse they envision a towering spire, however there used to be several smaller lighthouses in the North Carolina sounds that were used to guide vessels in the shallow waters.  These were known as screwpile lighthouses because their bases were metal poles that were actually screwed into the bottom of the sound.

Lightkeepers lived aboard these structures, which resembled a house more than a lighthouse.  It was an isolating job indeed.

The first screwpile lighthouses in North Carolina were built prior to the Civil War.  The Croatan Light was off Mashoes and marked the northern entrance to the Croatan Sound.  The Roanoke Marshes Light was off of Wanchese and marked the southern entrance. 

A reproduction of the Roanoke Marshes Light can be seen on the waterfront in downtown Manteo.  Its open Monday - Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Inside visitors can enjoy an exhibit about local boat builder Warren O'Neal.