Abstract Illuminating the Lighthouse: An Historical and Archaeological Examination of the Causes and Consequences of Economic and Social Change at the Currituck Beach Light Station By Bryan Scott Rose November 2017 Director: Dr. Nathan Richards Department of History, Program in Maritime Studies The purpose of this project was to gather historical and archaeological data to illuminate potential relationships between economic and social investment in lighthouse complexes, and enhance an understanding of the multitude of factors that drive the establishment and development of lighthouse communities. The community surrounding the Currituck Beach Light Station in Corolla, North Carolina served as a case study for this thesis. Historical and archaeological information was gathered from several sources and was assessed for correlation. Analysis discovered that most change occurring at the lighthouse compound and community was due to investment in technological advancement. Most recent changes resulted from resource preservation and tourism investments. Illuminating the Lighthouse: An Historical and Archaeological Examination of the Causes and Consequences of Economic and Social Change at the Currituck Beach Light Station A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Department of History East Carolina University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in Maritime Studies by B. Scott Rose November 2017 ©Copyright 2017 B. Scott Rose Illuminating the Lighthouse: An Historical and Archaeological Examination of the Causes and Consequences of Economic and Social Change at the Currituck Beach Light Station B. Scott Rose Program in Maritime Studies Department of History East Carolina University November 2017 Director of Thesis: Dr. Nathan Richards ________________________________ Committee Member: Dr. Lynn Harris ________________________________ Committee Member: Dr. Jennifer McKinnon ________________________________ Committee Member: Dr. Thad Wasklewicz ________________________________ CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY: ________________________________ Chris Oakley, PhD DEAN OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL: ________________________________ Paul J. Gemperline, PhD Acknowledgements I am indebted to several individuals for their continued support and assistance throughout the research, writing, and editing process. First, I would like to acknowledge my advisor, Dr. Nathan Richards for always providing the technical assistance, academic guidance, and direction for writing I needed to finish this project. Without his guidance, this project would have not been completed in a timely, efficient and professional manner. I must extend my gratitude to Meghan Agresto, the Site Manager of the Currituck Beach Light Station. Many of the historical sources were previously gathered by her and housed in the electronic collection on site. Unfettered access was granted to the site whenever it was requested. I would also like to thank her for allowing me to speak on the topic on occasion. Without her assistance, this thesis would be much less historically accurate. I would like to thank Marlena Barber for her patience, emotional support, and editorial acumen. Her valuable support helped me through the inherant hope, frustrations, worry, procrastination, and finally excitement involved in writing a Master’s Thesis. Without her aid this endeavor would not have been successful. I appreciate the assistance from several other individuals and organizations that were integral to this research. The Outer Banks Historic Center in Manteo, NC provided many sources necessary for an accurate historical narrative. The UNC Coastal Studies Institute in Manteo, NC provided equipment and space to work during post processing. John McCord flew the drone for photographic capture of the site. Nathan Richards, Ryan Bradley, Jim Kinsella, and Adam Parker provided assistance during fieldwork and during the editorial process. Jackie Cameron, Melissa Price, Jeremy Borrelli, and Lauren Christian also aided in the editorial process. I would also like to thank the other members of my committee for their input and support during this process: Dr. Lynn Harris, Dr. Jennifer McKinnon, and Dr. Thad Wasklewicz. Finally, I would like to thank my parents for their investment in my abilities throughout the years: financial assistance during hard times, engineering and craftsmanship from Dad, and artistry and effective communication from Mom. Y’all are the best! Table of Contents Title Page ..........................................................................................................................................i Copyright Page................................................................................................................................. ii Signature Page................................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. ix Chapter 1: Spark of Interest, an Introduction.................................................................................. 1 Introduction to the Study............................................................................................................. 1 Research Questions.................................................................................................................. 2 Introduction to the Site ............................................................................................................ 3 Thesis Organization..................................................................................................................... 7 Chapter 2: Revolution in Radiance, a Historical Narrative ............................................................ 9 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 9 Pre-Construction........................................................................................................................ 10 Construction Begins .................................................................................................................. 15 Community at the Complex ...................................................................................................... 18 Duties and Conflict.................................................................................................................... 19 A New Century.......................................................................................................................... 24 Environmental and Political Issues ........................................................................................... 27 After WWII ............................................................................................................................... 29 The Beginning of Conservation ................................................................................................ 31 Conclusion................................................................................................................................. 34 Chapter 3: The Theoretical Lens, a Theoretical Approach ........................................................... 35 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 35 C-Transforms ......................................................................................................................... 38 N-Transforms......................................................................................................................... 47 Conclusion................................................................................................................................. 48 Chapter 4: Searching for Enlightenment, Methodologies............................................................. 49 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 49 Historical Research ................................................................................................................... 50 Census Research .................................................................................................................... 50 Shipwreck Research............................................................................................................... 52 Public Investment Research................................................................................................... 53 Private Investment Research.................................................................................................. 54 Terrestrial Archaeological Methodology .................................................................................. 54 Total Station Survey .............................................................................................................. 56 Gradiometric Survey.............................................................................................................. 58 Metal Detector Survey ..........................................................................................................