LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM

Old Baldy Lighthouse

Old Baldy was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.  A Federal octagon lighthouse, it is  North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse. Today, Old Baldy is open for climbers to travel to the top of the lighthouse and experience a piece of North Carolina history. After climbing 108 stairs to the lathorn room, you will see unparalleled views of the surrounding waterways. 

Keeper's Cottage (The Smith Island Museum of History)

Built in 2000, this is an historic replica of the cottage in which the keepers' lived in between the 1850s-1880s. The museum features the living room, bedroom and the kitchen of the Keeper's Cottage replica. Learn about lighthouse keepers, pirates, surfmen, and more in this authentic recreation of a 1850's era house. Along with exhibits that display historic information and artifacts, the museum features an audio tour which will guide you through the Keeper's Cottage and to the lighthouse. 

Old Baldy Gift Shop (in the Cottage)

Here you'll find just the right gift, souvenir, or whimsy.  Everything purchased at this store helps to support Old Baldy and the historic preservation efforts of the Foundation. 

Fort Holmes 

During the Civil War, Old Baldy was contained in a part of an earthen works complex known as Fort Holmes. Over 1,100 Confederate soldiers, and other people essential to running the fort were camped on this and much of the surrounding property. To see the remains of the sand curtains, Battery No. 4, and a magazine bunkers used to defend the Cape Fear and blockade runners from the Union Navy, walk down Lighthouse Wynd to the historical marker and boardwalk.