The National Park Service, with funding from the U.S. Coast Guard, began the process of repainting the black and white stripes of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Photo courtesy Bruce Roberts

Funding from the U.S. Coast Guard was provided through the Coast Guard's Civil Engineering Unit in Cleveland, Ohio. Located near Buxton, North Carolina, the lighthouse has warned mariners of dangerous currents and shoals since 1870. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, an icon of North Carolina's Outer Banks, is the tallest brick lighthouse in the world.

A project to repair the stairs of the lighthouse was completed this fall. The National Park Service plans to reopen the lighthouse to the public in the Spring of 2003.

Outer Banks At A Glance

Staff Report
FACTS
OUTER BANKS, NC

Here's where to find the Outer Banks basics:

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse:
stairs have been repaired and the tower has recieved a new facelift in a paint job. National Park staff says the lighthouse will re-open in "March 2003". Repairs will become an ongoing project after closing each season. When the lighthouse opens fees will be $3.00 for an adult and $1.50 for a child. No fee is charged to educational groups and senior citizens. construction of the new visitors cneter will also be ongoing over the next several months.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse Applications:
for ownership of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse wre sent by Assistant U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Dan Smith, to the Outer Banks Conservationists and Currituck County, both interested in owning the lighthouse.

Although Congressman Jones, 3rd District North Carolina, which includes Currituck County, proposed giving the lighthouse to the county in a quitclaim deed with no conditions, the application process is moving ahead. Assistant Secretary Smith expects a decision to be final by March 2003.

Bodie Island Lighthouse:
was awarded money from Save America's Treasures to fund a crane, 200 feet tall to inspect the lantern room of the lighthouse for information on the extent of restoration needed. The park is not hopeful the lighthouse will be a line item in Congressional funding until late 2008 though all necessary reports are being completed. For information on how to help call the Bodie Island Visitor Center (252) 441-5711.

Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum:
are open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 4pm and Sunday 11am - 4pm; cost is $3.00 for entrance to the museum and lighthouse. An adult must acompany children under 12. Built in 1817, Old Baldy is North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse and is at the confluence of the Cape Fear River, the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. For more information call (910) 457-7481.

Visit a lighthouse and lend your support. In these defining times in our country, we must be committed to saving our historic properties.

This article was brought to you by The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society (OBLHS), a private, non-profit, all-volunteer organization, advocates the preservation of the history and artifacts of the U.S. Lighthouse Service.

Lighthouse Tour

Driving Directions to all North Carolina's Lighthouses
Cheryl Roberts
ANNOUNCEMENT
MOREHEAD CITY, NC

Most people visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina want ot visit at least one of the lighthouses. The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society has prepared a Driving Tour from north to south along coastal North Carolina.

Of the existing towers you have a choice of seven lighthouses to visit, and you can see the ruins of an eighth light. Theses lighthouses are so interesting days can be spent in the surrounding area of each one. You are invited to visit a lighthouse soon.