Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke lighthouses are two of the most iconic and important lighthouses in the nation and are part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. After a number of years of study on what is needed for them, it looks as though by the end of the year, a lot will be happening.
For the Hatteras Lighthouse the renovation has already begun, with interior work that has been stripping the the old paint off the walls. The work also includes upgrading and repairing metal work and lighting.
But word came recently that what CHNS wants to do is far more extensive than that.
The exterior will probably get some new paint, but it’s inside where most of the work is happening. The stairwell will be improved and perhaps most exciting, a replica of the original first order Fresnel lens will be installed. There was some thought of reinstalling the original lens that is currently at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras Village, but concerns about how it would work with the LED light the Coast Guard will install made the replica the winner.
There will also be extensive work to improve the grounds of the lighthouse.
That, of course, means no climbing this year, but the improvements are well worth the wait.
In many ways, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is in more dire need of work than the Hatteras. However, in the case of Ocracoke, where the emphasis lies, will be on the double keepers quarters. The building has flooded three times in the past nine years.
To preserve the building it will be raised four feet.
There is some additional work that will be done on the lighthouse, but nothing as major as preserving the double keepers quarters.
There is so much happening from Corolla to Hatteras Village. Come and be a part of the excitement while staying in a Brindley Beach Vacations home.