Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Outer Banks, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras is one of five main lighthouses on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The Outer Banks are an ever-changing, narrow chain of islands just off the coast of North Carolina. Other lighthouses along the Outer Banks include Currituck, Bodie, Ocracoke and Cape Lookout. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located in the town of Buxton on Hatteras Island.

Highway 12 is the main highway for the islands, but not all the islands have paved roads. You may reach the pristine beaches of Ocracoke Island (noted by Dr. Beach as best in country for 2007) by ferry only.

Built in 1870 and at 208 feet tall, Cape Hatteras is the tallest lighthouse in the United States. It's slanted, horizontal, black and white stripes and red octagonal base are characteristics used to distinguish this lighthouse from others.

Sea captains look for characteristics to determine which lighthouse they are seeing and to then determine their own location. For example, another characteristic might be the outbuildings around a lighthouse. This particular lighthouse has one red outbuilding and two large white houses in the vicinity. One house serves as the keepers quarters and the other is now the home of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore's Hatteras Island Visitor Center.

In 1999 the entire lighthouse was moved inland to protect it from the advancing sea. It is not uncommon for lighthouses to be raised up, moved to another location, or to be rebuilt completely after being destroyed by the sea.

The Atlantic Ocean destroys lighthouses and sinks ships. Sunken ships and buried treasures make up the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," located in the waters just off Cape Hatteras. Shallow waters and shifting sand bars make this area virtually impassable. Over 600 ships have sunken here. This area is referred to as, "Diamond Shoals." There is so much more to tell about this relatively untouched area, but the purpose of this is to relay information about the tallest lighthouse in America, Cape Hatteras.

The Hatteras Island Visitor Center welcomes you with nature trails, restrooms, gift shop and a chance to climb the steps of this majestic tower (for a small fee). Boating, fishing, camping, beach combing and swimming are also available in the area. For more information about Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the park, call (252) 473-2111 or visit the National Park Service website: www.nps.gov/caha.