Cape Hatteras National Seashore Shares Progress on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration Project

Contact: Cape Hatteras Public Affairs, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. - Cape Hatteras National Seashore today announced significant progress in the ongoing restoration of the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Crews have advanced major construction and preservation milestones designed to protect one of the nation's most recognizable historic landmarks.

"Restoring the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse not only protects and preserves this iconic structure," said David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, "It will also ensure more enjoyable and immersive visitor experiences for future generations."

Significant progress to date
Work to date reflects major advancements in both structural preservation and visitor area improvements, including:

• Removal of the lighthouse's external and internal paint, allowing restoration teams to re-point mortar and repair masonry in many locations and prepare the surface for re-coating.

• Comprehensive repointing of exterior and interior brickwork, strengthening the lighthouse's long-term stability. This work is still in progress.

• Completion of landscape improvements, adding native grasses and plantings around the site.

• Construction of a replica first order Fresnel lens, which will restore the original functionality and flash pattern once it is installed at the top of the lighthouse.

• Installation of stockade fencing around the Double Keepers' Quarters and Primary Keeper's Quarters to restore an original landscape feature.

• Construction of a new system of paths around the entire landscape to improve visitor circulation and allow expansive views and a more immersive experience throughout the light station.

• Installation of the "Keeper's Walk," paying homage to the known light station keepers who cared for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and kept the light burning for more than 100 years.

• New masonry work and brick repointing at the Oil House, which removed nonconforming windows and brought the structure back to its original 1870s configuration

Work planned for the coming year
Additional work is planned over the coming year as the National Park Service continues its commitment to ensuring the lighthouse remains structurally sound, historically authentic and accessible to visitors for years to come. Remaining work includes:

• Repainting the lighthouse's daymark, restoring the tower's distinctive black-and-white spiral pattern using a breathable coating designed to maintain healthy moisture movement through the masonry.

• Completion of repairs to all metal components throughout the lighthouse structure, including 16 gallery decking brackets that were discovered to be significantly deteriorated and in need of repair.

• Installation of the first order Fresnel lens and activation of the light will occur near the end of the project and restore the original functionality of the lighthouse.

• Installation of new bronze doors, windows and pediments to further protect and restore historic architectural elements.

• Finishing the concrete walk surrounding the lighthouse to improve visitor flow and accessibility.

• Laying brick walkways to the Oil House and lighthouse, enhancing both aesthetics and navigability.

• Installing a replica ornamental fence around the lighthouse, recreating an important historical feature.

• Finalizing landscape improvements throughout the site to complete the restoration environment.

Designed and constructed in 1868-70, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the United States and an iconic symbol of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Located on a barrier island along the Atlantic Coast, the lighthouse is exposed to continuous salt air, high winds, and intense sunlight, making repairs a necessity to maintain the integrity of this national treasure.

For more information about the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration Project, visit: http://www.nps.gov/caha/learn/news/cape-hatteras-lighthouse-restoration-project.htm.