Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse(major lighthouse designation 1-"Cape Hatteras") is a lighthouse located on Hatteras Island in North Carolina's Outer Banks, it is the tallest brick-built lighthouse in the region and in the United States in general. History Original Lighthouse The Original Cape Hatteras lighthouse was built in 1794 and marked very dangerous shoals that extend from the cape for a distance of 10 nautical miles (19 km). The original tower was built of dark sandstone and retained its natural color. The original light consisted of 18 lamps; with 14-inch (360 mm) reflectors, and was 112 feet (34 m) above sea level. It was visible in clear weather for a distance of 18 miles (29 km), but due to the outbreak of the Civil War it needed to be replaced. Current Lighthouse The current Lighthouse was built in 1868 and is the tallest lighthouse built in the United States, it was later moved 1,500 feet (460 m) from the current shoreline due to the ground eroding. References