Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration Project

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

NPS Photo

Designed and constructed in 1868-70, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest traditional lighthouse in the United States, and it is an iconic symbol of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998. Threatened by coastal erosion, the lighthouse and associated buildings were moved inland 2,900 feet to a new site in 1999.

Approximately 500,000 people visit the Cape Hatteras Light Station annually and approximately 1,500 people climb the lighthouse daily between April and October.

The lighthouse is located on a barrier island along the Atlantic coast and is exposed to salt air, high winds, and intense sunlight. Consequently, repairs are needed to maintain the integrity of this national treasure. The National Park Service has received funding for a major repair project that will address the findings from a 2014 Comprehensive Condition Assessment Report and a 2016 Historic Structure Report. The project will include repairs to deteriorated masonry, metal components, windows, marble flooring, and the lantern. Important architectural components, including missing pediments over the lighthouse windows and missing interior doors will also be restored. Additionally, the project will include new paint coatings on the interior and exterior of the lighthouse.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is proud to be entrusted with the stewardship of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It is the mission of the National Park Service to preserve cultural resources such as this lighthouse for the benefit of current and future generations.

This page will be updated at least on a monthly basis, if not sooner due to major accomplishments. Follow our Flickr album to see images of the lighthouse restoration over the coming months.

 

Summary of Restoration Project:

During multi-year project, Stone & Lime Historic Restoration Services, Inc. will perform extensive restoration work inside and outside the lighthouse, and improve the landscape for a better visitor experience. Read the Summary Report for a detailed list of projects. Highlights include:

 

Fresnel Lens Replica:

Under this project, the current spotlight/beacon will be replaced with a replica of a first-order Fresnel lens. The lens will include a fabricated pedestal, working clockwork, and a replica counter-weight system. The workings of the pedestal will be visible to visitors at the top of the lighthouse during lighthouse climbs.

 

Repainting:

The exterior and interior of the Lighthouse will have the existing paint removed and new paint applied.

 

Restoring the Ironwork:

Over the last 150 years, the salt air has greatly impacted the intricate ironwork of the lighthouse. This is most noticable in the lantern room, on the watch deck, in the window structures and on the stairs. The restoration project will repair the iron where possible, and provide for accurate recasting where ironwork has to be replaced. The historic iron fence surrounding the lighthouse will also be replicated and restored.

 

Restoring Missing Defining Features:

Window pediments (ornamental structures above the windows) are no longer present. If you look closely, you can see where these features used to be. These will be restored, along with a replica of the metal ornamental fence surrounding the light house.

 

Landscape Enhancements:

The Cape Hatteras Light Station attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. This project will improve pedesterian flow by expanding walkways, improving viewsheds, and providing expanded historical interpretation along the paths. The defining fence along the principal and double keepers' quarters will also be restored, and the Keepers' Stones will be relocated along the path to allow for better interpretation and enjoyment.

 

Restoration Project Status

Updated: July 24, 2026
View updated photos in the project's photo album.
Scroll to bottom of page to link to previous updates.

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.