You are here

Home » OK Given To Rehabilitate Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

OK Given To Rehabilitate Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Share
By Compiled From N... - November 30th, 2022
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse/Kurt Repanshek file

Cape Hatteras Light/Kurt Repanshek file

Approval has been given to have the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina rehabilitated inside and out.

The purpose of the project includes the following: (1) rehabilitate the interior and restore the exterior of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, (2) repair or replace deteriorated materials and finishes, and (3) selectively reverse non-sympathetic treatments added to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Oil House after 1920. Additionally, the project includes mitigating impacts to the Cape Hatteras Light Station landscape resulting from high visitation levels, as well as providing a more immersive experience.

The environmental assessement evaluated the impacts of repairing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and implementing landscape improvements at the Cape Hatteras Light Station.

After evaluating three alternatives, the National Park Service selected and approved Alternative C: Circulation Enhanced and Lens Replicated. Under the approved alternative, the following actions will be taken inside and outside the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during the project:

  • Rehabilitate the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse interior and restore its exterior.
  • Reverse some modern, non-sympathetic treatments, materials and finishes.
  • Repair and repoint masonry, remove corrosion and repair metal elements.
  • Remove the metal weight track from the lighthouse.
  • Install new railing and balustrade using a non-corrosive metal on lantern balcony.
  • Remove existing rotating light beacon and metal platform from the lantern and replace with a replica of the original First-Order Fresnel Lens. The replica lens will be the same size and overall appearance as the original, but a modern light source, such as an LED source, will be used inside the lens.
  • Rehabilitate and repair the Oil House to ensure its structural stability.
  • Remove the existing vinyl perimeter fence around the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. A replica of the original (pre-1920) decorative metal octagonal fence with granite bases will be constructed.
  • Produce and install a replica stockade fence around both the Principal Keeper’s Quarters and Double Keepers’ Quarters (Museum of the Sea) to match the look and feel of the original landscape of the early historic period (1870-1890s).
  • Improve pedestrian circulation, wayfinding, interpretation and the visitor experience at the Cape Hatteras Light Station. A new visitor entrance and walkways will be created to the north of the existing bookstore to foster a one-way pedestrian circulation pattern.
  • Add educational panels in key locations throughout the landscape to convey the history of changes to the buildings and landscape that occurred during and after the period of restoration (1870-1920).
  • Disassemble Keepers of the Light Amphitheater and relocate blocks to perimeter of the proposed western walkway.
  • Construct a new shade pavilion to accommodate visitors waiting near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

“Our team will now proceed expeditiously with finalizing design documents, awarding a contract and beginning work in 2023,” said David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Journalism about National Parks!

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.