Cape Hatteras

Lighthouse
By: Ethan Parker, Britton Smith, Josh Stewart, and
Victoria Zangotsis
Fig. 1: Cape Hatteras At Night
Source:http://static.panoramio.
com/photos/large/97039709.jpg

Goals of Our Presentation

To inform the audience on the historic features about and surrounding the
Cape Hatteras lighthouse.

To provide a different perspective on the importance of lighthouses, especially

Cape Hatteras lighthouses.

To entertain everyone with the fascinating facts, figures and events around
the lighthouse.

The First Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Mr. Hamiltons Light

First Hatteras lighthouse was built in August of

1802 by the founding father: Alexander Hamilton
Secretary of Treasury: Passed The Lighthouse Bill
Lighthouse Service built the first two lighthouses in
NC: Hatteras and Ocracoke
First lit on October 29, 1803
The delay between completed and first lighting is
unknown
Hatteras stood 105 feet tall (112 feet above sea
level)
Made of brown sandstone and marble

Fig. 2: Image showing Mr. Hamiltons Light

Source: "Cape Hatteras Lighthouse." Cape
Hatteras Lighthouse. North Country Storage
Barns, n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2016. <http://www.
ncsbarns.com/lighthousehatteras>.

Problems with Mr. Hamiltons Light

The materials and color made it hard for mariners to

locate in the daylight
Very ugly appearance
Solution: whitewashed the tower
The lighthouse was a mere 10 feet in diameter
The lamp at the time was low quality and caused it to
burn hot air
Mini inferno for the lighthouse keeper
Keeper would break windows to keep from
suffocating
Solution: Switched to Winslow Lewis Lewis Lamps
which had a parabolic reflector = brighter light and
less heat
Other problems, such as birds and fog, were
occurring

Fig. 3: Diagram of Winslow Lewis Lewis

Lamps
Source: "Reflector Chandeliers. <http:
//uslhs.org/reflector-chandeliers>.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Weathering the Civil War, Mr.

Hamilton's Light could not last much
longer
Falling into constant despair
Noticeable cracks and erosion within
foundation
U.S. Lighthouse System: decided it
was time for a new one
March 2, 1867, Congress authorized
the building of the second (and
current) Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Fig. 4: Comparison of Cape Hatteras lighthouses.

Source: Westwood, Brent. <http://beachbum.homestead.
com/lighthouses/northcarolina/capehatteras.html>

Present Day Cape Hatteras-Construction

Construction began December of 1868

Began by building a 1 mile pathway from beach to construction site
This allowed a way to transport materials
Also built a small village for workers with living quarter, storage facilities, and
dining
New location was northeast of original lighthouse (600 ft away) and 1600 feet
from shore.
Took 1.25 million bricks- granite and some bricks reordered because
shipments sunk due to shoreline.
Lighthouse itself was finished by Sept. 1870, and the lamphouse in Nov.
After nearly two years, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was lit on December 16,
1870

The Light Itself

Two separate units, are mounted

side by side facing in opposite
directions
Turned by an electric motorautomatically turning on at sunset
and off at dawn
Each 1,000- watt bulb are less
than 10 inches tall, but puts out
an 800,000-candlepower beam
focused by two parabolic
reflectors.
The official range of the light is 24
nautical miles (1 nautical mile=
6,080 feet.)(486 football fields)

Fig. 5: Show me the Light

Source:https://www.nps.
gov/caha/planyourvisit/images/IMG_4519.jpg

Location

Located on Hatteras Island are four

major lighthouses.
Currituck, Bodie Island, Cape
Hatteras, and Ocracoke lighthouses.
In the town of Buxton, is where our
landmark is located, where it is
surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and
Pamlico Sound.
Diamond Shoals

Fig. 6: Hatteras Lighthouses

Source: National Parks Service

Climate
It should be known:

Cape Hatteras has a humid subtropical climate

It is surrounded by large bodies of water, including the
Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean

Weather:

Fig. 7: Hurricane Isabel

Source: National Geographic

Cape Hatteras is virtually the highest-risk area for hurricanes and tropical
storms along the entire U.S. Eastern seaboard.
Hurricane Isabel in 2003 was the most destructive to the island.
In the summer, the temperatures vary from 80-85 degrees fahrenheit.
Over 58 inches of precipitation each year.
Winters are normally harsh and cold, with occasional snowfall.

Quick Lighthouse History Facts

The name Hatteras is the sixth oldest surviving English placename in the U.S.
From the ground to the tip of its lightning rod it is the tallest
lighthouse in the United States at 198 feet.
Tallest brick lighthouse in the world
1.25 million bricks were used to build the tower
Total of 257 steps inside
Light is still operational day and night and visible for 20 miles
Over 175,000 tourists visit the tower each year to climb the
structure

Figure 8: Present Day Cape Hatteras

Source: Reddit.com

The Move: Before

The distance between the surf and the lighthouse was reduced from
about 1,500 feet when it was built in 1870, to 120 feet in 1999.
National Parks service and the public advocated for the relocation.
National Park Service acquired ownership of the lighthouse when it
was abandoned in 1935.

The move was controversial at the time with speculation that the structure would not be
able to move. (5,000 tons)
The Cape Hatteras LightHouse Station Relocation Project became known as The
Move of the Millennium.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OERRfmuwOD4

Figure 9: Hatteras Erosion

Source: NationalGeographic.com

The Move: After

In 1999, the Cape Hatteras Light Station, was completely moved along with seven historic structures.
Relocated 2,900 feet from the spot on which it had stood since 1870.

Why the move?

The lighthouse was moved due to the threat of shoreline erosion.

The move started on June 17th, 1999, and was completed July 9th.

How?

Steel track beams became rails and roller dollies supported the frame to move along the track.
Three zones of hydraulic jacks kept the lighthouse aligned.
A weather station was installed at the top to monitor wind speed and temperature.

Figure 10: The Move

Source: Our State
Magazine

The total cost of the move was $11.8 million dollars.

General contractor International Chimney and Expert House Movers won the 40th Annual Outstanding Civil Engineering
Achievement Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1999.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Keepers throughout

History

Fig. 11: Lighthouse

Keepers
Source: http://www.
lighthousefriends.
com/light.asp?ID=356

Lighthouse Keepers Overtime

Originally only one lighthouse keeper was assigned: Joseph C. Jennett (1850-70)
Joseph was in charge of the light and just like in movies, lived in a leaky dwelling
When the new lighthouse was built, relative, Benjamin C. Jennett was the head
keeper. (1870)
Had three assistants: First Assistant: Zion B. Jennett
Second Assistant: Louis C. Roach
Third Assistant: Wallace R. Jennett
First Assistant Job: Right hand man to head keeper
Second Assistant Job: Lamps
Third Assistant: Grounds work, Beacon Light
A new brick dwelling was built a mile out from the lighthouse to accommodate all four
keepers and has currently been redone.
Cycles of keepers changed through the years (83 total)
Last known Head keeper: Unaka B. Jennette (1919-1939)
Ended in 1939 when the Coast Guard gained all control of the nations lighthouses.

Fig.12: Lighthouse Keeper Brick

Dwelling
Source:http://www.
lighthousefriends.
com/erie_dwelling_1885_na.jpg

Fig. 13: Lighthouse Keeper

Dwelling Remade
Source:http://cdn.loc.
gov/service/pnp/habshaer/nc/
nc0400/nc0477/photos/10192

Fig. 14: Present Day Lighthouse Keeper Dwelling

Source:http://landmarkhunter.com/photos/51/40/514027-M.jpg

Fig. 15: Aerial View of Cape Hatteras Dwelling

Source:http://www.lighthousefriends.
com/capehatteras_premove_cg.jpg

Finances

The construction cost exceeded $150,000, however no exact amount was found
Lighthouse Board appointed Dexter Stetson as Superintendent of Construction
Stetson hired and personally trained nearly 100 local laborers for a daily wage of $1.50
Remember: it was in the years of 1868-1870

Jobs

The National Park Services seeks students for internship

Park Rangers
Law Enforcement for the security purposes
Grounds keeper
Sales associate
Welcome Center Staff
Cultural Resource Manager

Events Held

Cooking Clams Outer Banks Style - Hatteras

Sea Glass Jewelry- Avon
Mermaid Rings - Avon
4th Annual Hatteras Storytelling Festival - Hatteras
44th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular - Nags Head
Weddings occur Memorial day through Labor day
Driving on the beach after a purchase of a $50 permit

Thinking of taking a Vacation?

Take a trip to Avon! Its one of the largest and busiest towns in Hatteras Island.

Only two stop lights

One chain grocery store
Plenty of accommodations, stores, and restaurants
Well loved fishing pier over the ocean
Kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing

Figure 16: John, Stephen

St. Sun Set on Avon Pier.
Digital image. Gettyimages.
Stephen St. John, n.d. Web.
18 Apr. 2016.

Chicamacomico Life Saving Station

The nations largest example of life-saving stations that were built along the
Atlantic coast in the late 19th century.

From 1874 serving until 1954

Restored by numerous nonprofit organizations

In this Museum youll

Learn about the rescues that occurred
See artifacts, uniforms, rescue equipment
One of the greatest rescues of WWI was the British tanker
Mirlo in 1918. The Mirlo was sunk by the German submarine
U-117. They successfully rescued 42 of 51 British sailors.
Figure 17: Chicamacomico. Digital image. Hatteras
Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.

Graveyard of the
Atlantic Museum

One of three North Carolina

Maritime Museums operated by
the North Carolina Division of
Cultural Resources.
This exhibit focuses on

Figure 18: Graveyard of the Atlantic.

Digital image. Historical Bemarle Tour. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.

5 centuries of shipwreck
artifacts
Tell dramatic tales of
lifesaving, piracy, maritime
culture, and underwater
heritage

The Interview with Jami P. Lanier

Cultural Resources Manager
Cape Hatteras

Fig. 19: Original

Email
Source: Victoria
Zangotsis

The Interview with Jami P. Lanier

Cultural Resources Manager
Cape Hatteras

Fig. 20: Reply Email

Source: Victoria
Zangotsis

The Interview with Jami P. Lanier

Cultural Resources Manager
Cape Hatteras
Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

How significant is the Cape Hatteras lighthouse to the state of

North Carolina?
What impact do you think the lighthouse brought to the
community?
Was there any debate on whether to move the lighthouse or
not?
How much did it cost to build the lighthouse and how many
people did it take to build it?
Has the lighthouse gone through any repairs since it has been
moved?
Do you think that the lighthouse will eventually have to be
moved again?

Do you believe in ghosts?

With a lighthouse being a sort of eerie, established,

and desolate location, there is definitely room for
imaginations to run wild.
There are many stories surrounding the Cape
Hatteras lighthouse. Many of these can be found
written by Thomas Byers on hubpages.com
Some popular stories range from involving a large
mysterious ghost cat all the way to infamous
blackbeard.
These stories in full detail can be found here: http:
//hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/HauntedCape-Hatteras-Lighthouse

Figure 25. N.d. The Grey Man of Hatteras.

Web. 28 Apr. 2016.

Important + Significant Facts

1803- First tower is completed. It stood 105 feet tall, was built of sandstone, and used oil lamps to light the beacon.

1861- Confederate forces try to destroy the tower, but were prevented by the Union forces. Confederates take the Fresnel lens with
them.

1867- $75,000.00 appropriated by Congress for a new lighthouse.

1873- Black and white daymark striping ordered by the Lighthouse Board.

1894- 1600 feet from shoreline

1935- Erosion threatened base of the tower as waves washed against it. Lighthouse abandoned and replaced by skeleton steel
structure a mile NW of the brick tower.

1936- Ownership transferred to NPS control. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began building sand dunes along the Outer Banks to
aid in erosion control.

Summary Timeline Continue

1942-45- Leased to Coast Guard for use as observation tower during WWII.

1950-51- N.C. Highway 12 constructed with ferry service at Oregon Inlet.

1953- Cape Hatteras National Seashore established. Lighthouse opened to the public.

1975- 175 feet from shoreline. Structural cracks in tower led to its closing to the public.

1981- Experimental artificial sea grass is placed on shoreline. "Save the Lighthouse Committee" formed by U.S. Senator Helms,
Governor Hunt of North Carolina and others.

1987- NPS requests independent study to save the lighthouse.

1988- Independent study recommends relocation. 1989 NPS announced decision to move lighthouse when risk of leaving it
outweighed the risk of moving it.

Summary Timeline End

1994- Exterior repainting completed. NPS superintendent declares risk of leaving lighthouse outweighs risk of moving it.

1999- March-Oil house, 2 cisterns, double keepers' quarters and principal keeper's quarters moved to new site. The lighthouse was
moved 2900 ft in 23 days. It was moved 1500 ft back from the ocean.

Figure 21: N.d.

Figure 22:N.d. Island

Island Features. Web.

26 Apr. 2016.

Features. Web. 26 Apr.

2016.

Figure 23: N.d. Island Features. Web.

26 Apr. 2016.

Significance and Final Thoughts

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is significant in many ways.

It has a long and elaborate history with North Carolina.
It has been a real, functional lighthouse for most of its life.
It not only has served as function, but has imprinted itself into the landmarks
of North Carolina
It provides a beautiful scape, full of fun things to do in your time in the our
banks.

Figure 24:

Figure 24: Cape Hatteras

Source:N.d. Stan White Realty &

Construction. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.

Works Cited
Byers, Thomas. "Haunted Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, There Are Plenty Of Ghosts
Here." HubPages. HubPages, 16 Mar. 2014. Web. 02 Mar. 2016. <http://hubpa
ges.com/religion-philosophy/Haunted-Cape-Hatteras-Lighthouse>.
"Cape Hatteras Lighthouse." Cape Hatteras, NC. Lighthousefriends, n.d. Web. 02
Mar. 2016. <http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=356>.
"Cape Hatteras Lighthouse." Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. North Country Storage
Barns, n.d. Web.
02 Mar. 2016. <http://www.ncsbarns.
com/lighthousehattera s>.
Carr, Dawson. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Sentinel of the Shoals. Chapel Hill:
U of North Carolina, 2000. Print.
Lanier, P. Jami

Works Cited
Historic Light Station Information & Photography. Coast Guard Lighthouses.
United States Coast Guard, 12 Jan. 2016. Web. 02 Mar. 2016
<http://www.uscg.mil/history/weblighthouses/LHNC.asp>
Phillips, Angus. "Tall Order." National Geographic May 2000: 98. Print.
United States. National Park Service. "Cape Hatteras Light Station." National
Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2016.
<http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm>.
United States. National Park Service. "Lighthouse Climbs." National Parks
Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2016. <http:
//www. nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/lighthouseclimbs.htm>