Location
The entrance to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located off of Highway 12 in the village of Buxton. Signs mark the entrance.Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The black and white candy-cane spiraled Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is one of the most recognized landmarks in the United States. Known as America's Lighthouse, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most popular attractions on the Atlantic seaboard.Usually listed as having a height of 208 feet, recent measurements have been revised to 210.01 feet above Mean Sea Level and 198.49 feet above the separation from its old foundation to the top of the spire. The focal height of the light is 192.20 feet and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse continues to stand as the tallest brick lighthouse in the nation.
The first lighthouse at Cape Hatteras was completed in 1803 to help protect ships from the maritime hazards of the nearby and dangerous Diamond Shoals. Built of sandstone, it proved inadequate and was replaced with the existing structure in December 1870. Twentieth-century coastal erosion placed the majestic lighthouse in danger of destruction and by late 1987 the approaching waters of the Atlantic Ocean were only 160 feet away.
The problem was remedied in 1999, when the immense lighthouse, weighing approximately 2,800 tons, was moved 2900 feet back from its location. Its new home is 1600 feet from the Atlantic Ocean at Latitude 35° 15' 01.92560" North and Longitude 75° 31' 43.74342" West. In a ceremony celebrating its 130 years of heritage, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was rededicated for service to future generations on May 5, 2001.
The Visitor Center and grounds are open year-round. Climbing is permitted from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day.
Additional Information
Climbing Tours of Cape HatterasArticles about Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - NPS Web Site
