It has been said that when folks envision a lighthouse, the first one that comes to mind is the black and white spiral banded Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.  At 180 feet, it is the tallest brick lighthouse in America. 

Federal legislation was passed in 1794 to provide a beacon on the Cape, where countless ships fell prey to the Graveyard of the Atlantic.  The converging currents off shore create an extensive sandbar that extends miles out into the sea where the water is often only a few feet deep. 

Work began on the Cape Hatteras lighthouse in 1800, and the 90 foot tower was completed in 1803.  The original lantern was made up of whale oil lamps, but it was not strong enough to be seen miles off shore.  In 1854 the tower was raised to 150 feet and a 1st order Fresnel lens replaced original lantern.

In 1867 Congress approved $75,000 to build a new lighthouse at Cape Hatteras (the spire that stands today). However the lighthouse was abandon in the 1930s after erosion threatened the structure and replaced by a lighted steel tower.

Erosion temporarily subsided (in part because of an artificial dune system constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps) and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was placed back in service by 1950.  But erosion was again to threaten the lighthouse and in 1999 it was moved 2900 feet to the southwest.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be open for climbing April 18 - October 13.  Prices are $7.00 for adults and $3.50 for children and seniors.