1996, there were a few residents remaining on Bald Head Island. When wind speeds climbed past hurricane strength, some islanders fled their houses and sought shelter inside the Bald Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse suffered minimal damage. It is possibly one of the safest structures on the island; its construction of brick and plaster five feet thick has weathered many storms and is now known to withstand at least Category 3 hurricanes. References External links Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum of History Lighthouses completed in 1817 Buildings and structures in Brunswick County, North Carolina Lighthouses on the National Register of Historic Places in North Carolina Lighthouse museums in North Carolina Museums in Brunswick County, North Carolina National Register of Historic Places in Brunswick County, North Carolina 1817 establishments in North Carolina