Benjamin C. Jennett

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse plaque, showing date of completion (1870) and coordinates
Plaque at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Library of Congress

Quick Facts

Significance:
Primary Keeper During Transition From First to Second Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Date of Birth:
February, 1846
Date of Death:
1874

A member of the Jennett(e) family of lighthouse keepers, Benjamin C. Jennett was appointed primary keeper of the first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in 1866 and remained in that role during construction of the second lighthouse in 1868, its opening on December 1, 1870, and the demolition of the first lighthouse on February 16, 1871.

One of the youngest primary keepers on record, Jennett began his role of primary keeper of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at age 20.

Benjamin C. Jennett died in 1874 at age 28.

Tags: Cape Hatteras National Seashore Cape Hatteras Lighthouse lighthouse keeper