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North Carolina’s Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest natural lake in the state, is home to a wildly historic building that was built in 1911 and became the world’s largest pumping station. (More on that below.) After the closing of the pump station, the structure was converted into a bit of an elite hunting lodge that now sits empty, awaiting a metamorphosis. In the meantime, the structure is hauntingly beautiful – and worthy of a visit, if only to see the sheer size and marvel at the exterior.
You'll find the former Mattamuskeet Lodge next to the Visitor Center for the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge located on the edge of the lake in Swanquarter, North Carolina.
A little background, in case you didn't grow up hearing about the geography of North Carolina: Lake Mattamuskeet, as mentioned, is the largest natural lake in the state.
It's located over on the coast on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula. Many historians and geologists believe the origin of this bean-shaped lake was a large meteor that struck the Earth millions of years ago. It's considered one of the largest Carolina Bay lakes on the coast and once was home to a large Native American colony.
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Lake Mattamuskeet spans some 18 miles in length and 7 miles in width.
Many northern birds find the shallow lake (it's a mere two and three feet deep in most places) a safe haven for wintering. But the lake hasn't always been as we see it today.
The idea was to give neighboring farmers some relief for their crops. It seems the natural lay of the land meant all of the new rainfall on their crops went right into the lake. Huge canals were constructed. They were so big and deep that they were navigable. An entire community, called New Holland, sprang up in place of the lake. Homes and businesses were built right in the former lake bed. Most of it is now long gone, except the parts on the south central side of the Lake Mattamuskeet within the National Wildlife Refuge.
So what about the old pumping station? After the project of draining the lake was abandoned in 1934, the pumping station became a hunting lodge.
After that venture came to a close, the U.S. Congress gave the building to the State of North Carolina in 2006. According to the Mattamuskeet Lodge website, the funds are yet to be fully allocated to completely restore the building and give it a new purpose.
If you want to see the old pump station and lodge, you'll just need to navigate to the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Swanquarter. The lodge is a few hundred yards up the road.
The history of Lake Mattamuskeet, the pumphouse, and Mattamuskeet Lodge is as fascinating as is the exterior of this haunting old building with a tower that resembles a lighthouse. Have you seen it in person?
