Old Baldy is the second of three lights to stand on Bald Head Island. The present site was established in 1817 and the tower was completed in 1818. This lighthouse retains its importance today as one of the oldest historic structures in North Carolina. Built from the old eight-sided plans for lighthouses prevalent prior to the Civil War, the exterior has been restored to its mottled look in response to public demand. During the 1820s, American lighthouses were planned as conical (round) towers to offer less wind resistance. During the 1850s, tall coastal lights were built from standard, round tower designs with double-walled construction with greater height; Cape Lookout was the first in North Carolina, completed in 1859.		Until recently, a view of the original 1850s Keeper's Cottage existed only in pictures. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Old Baldy Foundation, this gem has been brought back to life in a recently completed construction project. The Keeper's Cottage exhibits artifacts which interpret life on the island and it houses a room that is furnished to period, offering visitors a glimpse at a Keeper's life in the 1850s. Old Baldy can be reached only by passenger ferry from Southport. It is open to visitors daily on a self-guided tour basis for climbing and weddings are now allowed; a charming chapel is adjacent to the tower.
For more information, contact Old Baldy Foundation by calling (910) 457-7481 or the chapel (910) 457-1183 or write Old Baldy Foundation, P.O. Box 3007, Bald Head Island, NC 28461