Cape Hatteras Light Station

The Cape Hatteras Light Station is situated on Hatteras Island, one of the barrier islands of North Carolina, USA.

The lighthouse is located at Lighthouse Road, within the boundaries of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

History

• Construction of the lighthouse began in 1870 and was completed in 1875.
• The lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding ships through the Graveyard of the Atlantic, a notorious stretch of sea known for its shallow shoals and storms.

Architecture

The Cape Hatteras Light Station is a 64-foot-tall (19.5 meters) masonry tower with a red brick base and granite corners.

The lighthouse features a distinctive diagonal color pattern and has undergone several restorations over the years to maintain its original character.

Light Characteristics

The lighthouse emits a white light that can be seen up to 24 nautical miles (28 miles; 45 kilometers) away.

The light is characterized by a Fl (first order) sequence, indicating that it is a fixed light source with a period of 7.5 minutes.

Current Status

The Cape Hatteras Light Station is currently operated by the National Park Service as part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

While the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, it has been automated since 1994, reducing the need for human keepers.

Heritage Status

The Cape Hatteras Light Station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and is considered a significant maritime landmark.

The lighthouse is also part of the larger Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which protects parts of three barrier islands: Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island.

Notable Historical Events

• The Cape Hatteras Light Station has played a crucial role in the history of maritime navigation on the Outer Banks.
• The lighthouse has guided ships through treacherous waters for over 140 years, saving countless lives and vessels from the Graveyard of the Atlantic.

Notable Historical Events

The Cape Hatteras Light Station has played a crucial role in the history of maritime navigation on the Outer Banks. The lighthouse has guided ships through treacherous waters for over 140 years, saving countless lives and vessels from the Graveyard of the Atlantic.