• Brown Pelican taking off.

    Cape Hatteras

    National Seashore North Carolina

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • New Off Road Vehicle Regulations

    New off road vehicle (ORV) regulations are now in effect. Please check here for information on how to get your ORV permit More »

  • Beach Fire Permits are required

    Beach Fire Permits are now required. These permits are free. Please check here for information on how to get your Beach Fire Permit More »

The Move

Q. When was the lighthouse moved and why?
The lighthouse was moved in June 17, 1999 - July 9, 1999 due to beach erosion and concerns for the “floating foundation.”

Q. How was this move done?
The lighthouse was moved using horizontally mounted hydraulic jacks which pushed the tower along a track system in 5-foot increments. After the tower was pushed approximately 5 feet, the jacks were retracted and reset along the grid beams.

Q.How much did it cost to move?
The cost was 11.8 million dollars

Q. How far did they move the lighthouse?
2,900 feet

Q. How long did it take to move the light house?
It took 23 days to move the lighthouse but it took over a year of preparation.

Q. How far back from the ocean does it set?

It was set back approximately 1,500 feet from the shoreline.

Did You Know?

Lightning whelks are one of the few species of "left-handed" gastropods: their shells whorl to the left.

Lightning whelks eat about one large clam per month.  The whelk pries the clam open with its muscular foot, wedges the clam open with its shell, then eats the soft inside of the clam.

Lightning whelk shells, which whorl to the left, wash up on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.