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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

History

Painted in its famous black and white spirals, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest and most well known lighthouse in the nation. Standing at 208' tall, the light's beacon can be seen for 20 nautical miles. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse was built to warn ships of the treacherous "Diamond Shoals" along the coast. These shallow sandbars that extend more than 10 miles off the coast have caused over 2,000 shipwrecks, giving the area the nickname "The Graveyard of the Atlantic."

The current Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the second of three lighthouses to stand near this location. The original lighthouse was built in 1804 and shined a weak beam of light over the coast that was barely visible beyond the shoals. The lighthouse was damaged during the Civil War and retreating Confederate troops stole the lens to hinder the navigation of Union army's fleet.

Rather than repair the lighthouse, a new lighthouse was constructed in 1869. This new lighthouse is the 208' brick structure that is operating today. The lighthouse operated in this location until 1935, when the site was abandoned due to an ever receding coastline. A temporary light was constructed about a mile away in Buxton and served until 1950 when the waters of the Atlantic receded enough for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to be put back into operation.

In 1999, the lighthouse was once again threatened by the encroaching waters of the Atlantic. This time, an operation was undertaken to move the lighthouse inland. The lighthouse was raised 6' off its base and began its slow move on June 17, 1999. Moving in five-foot increments, the lighthouse reached its new home on July 9, 1999 and was relit in November.

The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is open to visitors for climbing from spring until fall.


Facts

The Cape Hatteras is 208' tall

It is the tallest lighthouse in the United States

There are 268 steps to the top of the lighthouse

The light can be seen for over 20 nautical miles





Home
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Links

The National Park Service's Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Website
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Webcam
Relocating the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse