In reality, the lighthouses that came before Bodie Island were located on Pea Island, south of Oregon Inlet, in a region that is now submerged as a result of the inlet's migration to the south. Construction of the initial structure began in 1847, but its inadequate foundation led to its closure in 1859. In 1861, fleeing Confederate troops destroyed the second structure, built in 1859. They feared the Union might use it as an observation post during the Civil War. 1872 was the year that saw the completion of the third and current lighthouse, which still retains its original first-order Fresnel lens. The construction of this lighthouse took place on a fifteen-acre location further north and more inland. The National Park Service took over the Bodie Island Lighthouse in 1953 after converting it into an automated system in 1932. Additionally, oil-fueled electrical generators transformed the light into an electric lamp. It was not until 1940 that the lighthouse was completely automated, but until then, it was staffed. 1953 was the year that the generators were disconnected, and the commercial electric grid became the source of electricity consumption.

Bodie Island Lighthouse (pronounced Body) was abandoned twelve years after its original build in 1847 due to a poor foundation. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1859 but was blown up in 1861 by retreating Confederate troops who feared the Union would use it to their advantage for navigation. The gatekeeper's cottage, a white building located on the lighthouse grounds, is said to be haunted by a lingering spirit. Every day at 4:00 PM on the dot, you can hear a loud knock from behind its large brick fireplace. No one knows what or who lies behind it.

Gray Ghost haunts the shoreline during an impending severe storm or hurricane. The mysterious "gray" man was killed in the 1900s when an abrupt storm hit the beach during summer. He appears as a misty apparition and can oftentimes be caught on pier cams or seen silently walking the coast or roaming the lighthouses.