Cape Hatteras Lighthouse — History, Location, and Visitor Information
46368 Lighthouse Rd
Buxton, NC 27920
UNITED STATES
252-995-4474
About
Climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be unavailable in 2026 because restoration work is continuing.
The lighthouse standing today was officially completed and lit in December 1870. It is the second of three lighthouses constructed in Buxton. The first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse dates to 1803. Built of sandstone, it stood 90 feet tall and produced an inadequate beam with Argand lamps and reflectors.
In 1854, stairs raised the first lighthouse to a height of 150 feet, and a first order Fresnel lens was added, described as the most powerful of its day. During the Civil War in 1861, Confederate soldiers retreating from the area removed the Fresnel lamp to prevent it from falling into Union hands.
War-related shell damage and structural deterioration led to construction of a replacement lighthouse in 1870—the structure enjoyed by visitors today. The original lighthouse was demolished in 1871. Whale oil gave way to kerosene by the 1880’s, and the beam was electrified by 1934.
By 1935, beach erosion was endangering the lighthouse foundation. A third lighthouse was therefore built farther away in the Buxton Woods. This replacement was a steel skeleton tower equipped with an airport beacon. Fifteen years later, shifting erosion patterns allowed the 1870 lighthouse to return to service.
While the older lighthouse stood empty during the 1940’s, vandals damaged its Fresnel lens. The lighthouse now operates with two active 1000-watt lamps whose beam can be seen for more than 20 miles.
In 1999, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was relocated a half mile inland to protect it from the encroaching Atlantic.
Amenities
General
- Works with motorcoach groups in senior/student markets