Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration Project

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

NPS Photo

Designed and constructed in 1868-70, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest traditional lighthouse in the United States, and it is an iconic symbol of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998. Threatened by coastal erosion, the lighthouse and associated buildings were moved inland 2,900 feet to a new site in 1999.

Approximately 500,000 people visit the Cape Hatteras Light Station annually and approximately 1,500 people climb the lighthouse daily between April and October.

The lighthouse is located on a barrier island along the Atlantic coast and is exposed to salt air, high winds, and intense sunlight. Consequently, repairs are needed to maintain the integrity of this national treasure. The National Park Service has received funding for a major repair project that will address the findings from a 2014 Comprehensive Condition Assessment Report and a 2016 Historic Structure Report. The project will include repairs to deteriorated masonry, metal components, windows, marble flooring, and the lantern. Important architectural components, including missing pediments over the lighthouse windows and missing interior doors will also be restored. Additionally, the project will include new paint coatings on the interior and exterior of the lighthouse.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is proud to be entrusted with the stewardship of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It is the mission of the National Park Service to preserve cultural resources such as this lighthouse for the benefit of current and future generations.

This page will be updated at least on a monthly basis, if not sooner due to major accomplishments. Follow our Flickr album to see images of the lighthouse restoration over the coming months.

 

Summary of Restoration Project:

During the 18-month project, Stone & Lime Historic Restoration Services, Inc. will perform extensive restoration work inside and outside the lighthouse, and improve the landscape for a better visitor experience. Read the Summary Report for a detailed list of projects. Hightlights include:

 

Fresnel Lens Replica:

Under this project, the current spotlight/beacon will be replaced with a replica of a first-order Fresnel lens. The lens will include a fabricated pedestal, working clockwork, and a replica counter-weight system. The workings of the pedestal will be visible to visitors at the top of the lighthouse during lighthouse climbs.

 

Repainting:

The exterior and interior of the Lighthouse will have the existing paint removed and new paint applied.

 

Restoring the Ironwork:

Over the last 150 years, the salt air has greatly impacted the intricate ironwork of the lighthouse. This is most noticable in the lantern room, on the watch deck, in the window structures and on the stairs. The restoration project will repair the iron where possible, and provide for accurate recasting where ironwork has to be replaced. The historic iron fence surrounding the lighthouse will also be replicated and restored.

 

Restoring Missing Defining Features:

Window pediments (ornamental structures above the windows) are no longer present. If you look closely, you can see where these features used to be. These will be restored, along with a replica of the metal ornamental fence surrounding the light house.

 

Landscape Enhancements:

The Cape Hatteras Light Station attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. This project will improve pedesterian flow by expanding walkways, improving viewsheds, and providing expanded historical interpretation along the paths. The defining fence along the principal and double keepers' quarters will also be restored, and the Keepers' Stones will be relocated along the path to allow for better interpretation and enjoyment.

 

Restoration Project Status

Updated: May 12, 2024
Scroll to bottom of page to link to previous updates

April 2024 Update:During the month of April, a majority of the preparation work for the overall project was completed. Most significantly, the exterior scaffolding was completed, and interior scaffolding reached the lantern level. The existing beacon was disassembled, and a temporary LED beacon was installed to provide active aid-to-navigation for the duration of the restoration project while the replica first-order Fresnel lens is being fabricated.The grounds are safely open for visitation, but visitors should be aware of the ongoing construction. A temporary walking corridor has been installed to allow access to the Museum of the Sea while work begins on the landscape.

Key Highlights from March 2024:

• Exterior Scaffolding 100% complete.
• Interior Scaffolding complete to the Lantern Level.
• Phase one of the new colored concrete walkways were completed.
• The current light beacon, was removed by the United States Coast Guard.
• The temporary beacon was installed at the top of the scaffolding to continue to provide aid to navigation while the lens is restored. The temporary light is 210 feet above ground level.

 

Member of the preservation team holding the temporary lighthouse beacon that will be placed at the top of the scaffolding for the duration of the project

NPS Photo

Anticipated Highlights for May:

• Removal of the Bronze Front Door of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Doors (will be shipped offsite to Alabama for restoration.
• Interior Scaffolding at 100% complete.
• Begin paint removal on all cast iron / metal components. Work will begin on the exterior first, and then transition to the interior of the lighthouse.
• Complete native sand grading plan and planting plan around new hardscape phase 1. Beach grass and a hydroseed mix will be planted.
• The brick pathways that outline the historic sidewalk layout will be installed.
• New wooden fence to be installed around the Principal Keepers Quarters and Museum of the Sea.

 

New paths are being poured to improve circulation at the light station

NPS Photo

Anticipated Highlights for April 2024:

• Total completion of exterior scaffolding

• Installation of Temporary beacon

• Completion of interior scaffolding

• Continued progress on paving of pathways.