8 Cool Facts About Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Planning your next Outer Banks getaway and trying to pick and choose from the endless activities and attractions the OBX has to offer can be challenging. It can be hard to determine which stops are worth a visit and which can be skipped over.
One stop you don’t want to miss? The Outer Banks' crown jewel of lighthouses, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
This beacon of black and white is one of the most beautiful sites on the barrier islands and featured on countless postcards. That’s not the only reason you’ll want to visit, though. To help you understand exactly why this iconic lighthouse is a can’t miss OBX attraction, we’ve created this list of nine incredibly cool facts about the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
1. One of Five Historic Lighthouses in the Outer Banks
Photo Credit: travelview
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is chock full of history and unique lighthouses. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is one of five historic lighthouses in the OBX.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse: Located in Corolla, this lighthouse is known for its distinctive red brick tower.
Bodie Island Lighthouse: Situated near Nags Head, this lighthouse also has a black-and-white exterior; however, its stripes are horizontal instead of spiral.
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse: This simple white tower was the first lighthouse built on the OBX in 1823.
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse: Perhaps one of the lesser known lighthouses, this lighthouse is actually a replica of the original screw pile lighthouse that once stood in the Croatan Sound.
2. Tallest Brick Lighthouse in the United States
Standing at an impressive 210 feet, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in America. Its conical brick shape is wrapped in horizontal black and white stripes, which make this coastal icon easily identifiable.
Made of over 1,250,000 bricks, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse took over two years to complete. Since it was first lit in 1870, this towering landmark has guided ships through the waters surrounding the barrier islands and served as a symbol of maritime history in the OBX.
3. Built to Protect the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”
Photo Credit: Tom Worsley
Known as the Diamond Shoals, the perilous waters off the coast of the Atlantic were aptly nicknamed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic'' due to the shifting sandbars, strong currents, and frequent storms. These dangers led to numerous shipwrecks and the loss of life for many sailors. To mitigate these losses, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built to serve as a powerful beacon guiding ships through these treacherous waters.
While the original light consisted of Argand style lamps fitted with reflectors, the newest lighthouse was upgraded to be powered by an innovative first-order Fresnel lens. This lens emits a concentrated beam of light projecting up to 24 nautical miles out to sea. This bright illumination warns incoming ships of the dangerous shoals and helps to guide them to safer waters.
You can learn more about the history of the Diamond Shoals by visiting the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located just 13 miles south of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
4. The Lighthouse Has Had Multiple Locations
In 1999, the lighthouse was relocated to protect it from the dangers of the rising sea levels of the Atlantic Ocean. The prevalence of coastal erosion caused the shoreline surrounding the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to begin to deteriorate, threatening the stability of this coastal icon. To preserve this historic landmark, a significant relocation process was undergone moving the lighthouse 2,900 feet inward.
The entire move was an incredible feat of engineering and took 23 days to complete. It began with the construction of a steel framework around the base of the tower, from which the entire lighthouse was then lifted by hydraulic jacks and placed on a network of rails, allowing it to be carefully rolled to its new location. Upon reaching its new resting spot, it was placed on a newly built foundation designed to withstand future erosion.
5. Barber Pole Design Has a Special Purpose
Photo Credit: Mike Ver Sprill
The lighthouse's distinctive black-and-white daymark pattern is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose. This pattern, known as the “barber pole” design, helps the lighthouse stand out and be easily recognizable during daylight hours. These bold, contrasting spiral stripes can be seen from great distances, even in conditions where visibility is poor.
This unique pattern requires a lot of paint to maintain. Every 5 to 7 years, this iconic structure has to be repainted, as the harsh coastal elements can cause the paint to deteriorate over time. This process typically involves 140-150 gallons of paint, almost 15 times as much as is needed to paint the outside of a typical home!
6. Second Lighthouse Built on the Site
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse you see today is not the original. The first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1803. The original sandstone structure stood at a mere 90 feet. It was actually heightened three times, in 1835, 1838, and 1840.
Recognizing the fact that the lighthouse was still yet inadequate to meet the demands of this perilous coastline, the United States government decided to replace the existing structure with the new lighthouse. The new tower became the tallest lighthouse on the Outer Banks.
7. You Can Climb to the Top
Photo Credit: Jason Schronce
With approximately 200,000 yearly visitors, the allure of climbing to the top of the lighthouse beckons many guests. There are 257 steps to the top of the lighthouse. When you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Outer Banks and surrounding Atlantic Ocean.
Keep in mind that to climb to the top of the lighthouse, guests must be at least 42 inches tall and capable of climbing to the top on their own. You’ll want to wear sturdy footwear suitable for a steep climb. There are landings to take a break and catch your breath.
Be aware, the staircase is narrow, so you’ll want to be mindful of other guests coming up or down as you navigate the stairs.
8. Educational Opportunities with the National Park Service
While most people assume that the lighthouse is the responsibility of the Coast Guard, it has actually been maintained by the National Park Service since 1936. While the US Coast Guard is responsible for keeping the beacon in order, the National Park Service is charged with maintaining the structural integrity of this historic landmark.
Educational programs and visitor services are provided by NPS staff seasonal employees. It’s not uncommon to meet a staff member who is not local to the area. Many National Park Service employees hop from one NPS job to the next throughout their career, including the other NPS-managed attractions lining the Outer Banks.
9. Part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Photo Credit: Fsendek
The NPS also manages the 70 miles of surrounding shoreline known as the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Established in 1937, this National Seashore was the first of its kind. Congress authorized it to protect and preserve the natural beauty of this coastal gem and its rich maritime history.
This expansive stretch of coastal land includes maritime forests, sand dunes, marshes, and pristine sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing.
Stay Near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The rich maritime history of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and surrounding areas make this iconic OBX attraction one you need to visit on your next trip. Start planning your next trip to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. You’ll find the perfect Hatteras home base with one of our private villas or suites.
Book your stay today and start planning your ultimate OBX experience.
