The black-and-white spiral stripes of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are recognized around the world.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic
Over 600 vessels have been lost in these waters since the 16th century.
The First Tower (1803)
Congress authorized the first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in 1797, completed in 1803.
The Current Lighthouse (1870)
The current structure rises 198 feet and is built from 1.25 million bricks.
The Great Move of 1999
The entire 4,830-ton structure was moved 2,900 feet to the southwest in 23 days.
Climbing the Lighthouse Today
Open from mid-April through Columbus Day. The climb involves 257 iron spiral steps.
#History#Lighthouse#Cape Hatteras#National Park#Buxton
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About Emily Roberts
Emily is a marine biologist turned travel writer. She has a deep passion for the ecology and history of North Carolina's barrier islands.