The
Roanoke River Lighthouse & Maritime Museum Plymouth, NC
War, fire, ice, politics….the story of the The
Roanoke River Lighthouse—or more appropriately, the four Roanoke River
Lights—could be the subject of a disaster movie or an inspirational
book.
Today, a perfect replica of the second
Roanoke River Lighthouse
sits
peacefully alongside the Roanoke River. Its exhibits tell the story of
this once-bustling port town where schooners, steamboats, and barges
frequented the customs house. The river connected the region to the
broader world and this beacon protected that connection.
Browse the exhibits and discover the fascinating stories. Climb the
spiral staircase, step past the lens onto a breezy deck and imagine the
lonely life of the keeper, isolated for days or weeks at a time with
only his chickens and goats on a lower deck.
At the Roanoke River Maritime Museum, just across the street, enjoy a
wealth of photographs that share the story of the river's impact on
fishermen, farmers, foresters,
merchants, soldiers, papermakers…and most
of the people who lived here or passed through this place and
neighboring towns like Jamesville, Roper and Creswell.
Try your hand (via imagination) at navigating a boat. See native fish in
a large aquarium. Discover underwater secrets found by East Carolina
University students' underwater archeological explorations including
sunken ships from exciting Civil War battles. Exhibits on early
boatbuilding help chronicle the evolution from paddle to sail to motor.
Visitors will even get to know a little about some of the colorful local
characters. A display by The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society will
highlight North Carolina’s famous seaside lights, building anticipation
for visitors on their way to the outer banks.
Today, the Roanoke River Lighthouse
is establishing a new significance
as a visitors attraction and Gateway to the Outer Banks Lighthouses, a
gathering place for Plymouth’s annual Wood Boat Show, the popular
Cowboys on the Water, and other events.
Follow the signs on US Hwy 64 to Downtown Plymouth, NC. Ample free
parking for cars, buses and RV’s adjacent to venues. Open 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and by appointment for group tours and
activities. Call 252-217-2204.
The Roanoke River Lighthouse
is a member of the
Albemarle Riverlight Trail
CLICK HERE
Hours of Operation
Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday
11 AM - 3 PM
Sunday 2 - 4 PM
and by appointment
Call: 252-217-2204