[citation needed] The lighthouse was built to help guide ships through Ocracoke Inlet into Pamlico Sound.

During the summer months when there is a U.S. National Park Ranger on duty, visitors may access the base of the lighthouse.

Access to the top of the lighthouse is not allowed due to the simple steel spiral staircase being safe only for maintenance activity.

This was removed during the 1950s due to excessive rotting to the boards and a lacking necessity for a substantial staircase because of the automation of the light.

The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as Ocracoke Light Station.