Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Year Built

1870

Cost

$150,000

Type

Conical

Height

210 feet

Location

Hatteras Island, Dare County

Automated Year

1950

First Lit

1871

Lens Type

First order Fresnel lens (1870–1970), DCB-224 (1970–)

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

Black and white spiral, red base

Last Keeper - Date

Unaka B. Jennette (1919 – 1940)

Description

The lighthouse is open to the public.

Brief History

•  Between 1867 and 1870 Congress appropriated $167,000 in three annual sums, for rebuilding Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
•  In the spring of 1879, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was struck by lightning, which caused cracks to appear in the tower.
•  The defunct Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was transferred to the National Park Service in 1937.
•  The Fresnel lens was vandalized in the 1940’s when the older lighthouse stood empty during those years.
•  In 1950, when the structure was again found safe for use, new lighting equipment was installed.