The Outer Banks’™ barrier islands have five lighthouses to protect ships from the shoreline that stretches from Ocracoke to Corolla. The most famous is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, also known as America’s Lighthouse, which is the tallest brick beacon at 208 feet. The lighthouse was first lit in 1870, and is open for climbing from mid-April to Columbus Day. Bodie Island Lighthouse is located at the start of the National Seashore, originally built in 1847.Rebuilt in 1872 after war damage destroyed the original, the lighthouse stands 150 feet tall. It’s available for daily viewing but not open for climbing. Ocracoke Lighthouse is the state’s oldest operating lighthouse, built in 1822 after the original, in 1798, was rendered ineffective when the inlet changed. The lighthouse is not available for climbing but is available for viewing. Currituck Beach Lighthouse is located in Corolla and dates back to 1875. Standing 158 feet high, the lighthouse is open Easter through Thanksgiving.