CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE

As the tallest of all lighthouses, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has warned sailors for more than one hundred years about the shallow sandbar that extends about fourteen miles from the shore into the ocean. The light itself can be seen from twenty miles out in the ocean. As ships attempted to navigate the North Carolina coast, The Diamond Shoals, which is an ever changing series of shallow underwater sandbars, proved not to be the only challenge.

This area is also know for the two strong currents that collide off Ocracoke and Hatteras islands that make it difficult for vessels to navigate unless coming very close to the Outer Banks. Now, this wasn't always hazardous, but as we know, the coast brings with it strong winds and severe storms and if a ship happened to be overpowered by nature, it could prove to be a deadly decision.

What makes it worse is that there are no natural landmarks, so boats are actually grounded and in trouble before they even know what has happened!

The ships that have been lost near Cape Hatteras is estimated at over a thousand. These vessels are at rest now in what is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.

Some of the shipwrecked sailors decided to stay, making Cape Hatteras their home. This gave those crafts a legacy that endures even today.

Could those ships have been saved?

Possibly, but just knowing of the dangerous situation doesn't always prevent it.

Has the lighthouse done a good job?

Most would respond with a big YES!

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is donned in black and white bands, but with a twist...literally! A story I have heard is that the engineer that was assigned the task of painting the lighthouses of North Carolina got the plans mixed up!

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was originally suppose to be painted with black and white diamonds, to warn of the Diamond Shoals. Makes sense, right?

Well, Apparently not!

The diamond's were painted on the lighthouse at Cape Lookout and the lighthouse at Cape Hatteras got black and white spiral bands, giving it the name "The Big Barber Pole."

The lighthouse is open to the public from April until mid-October.

But if you are planning to climb up to see the spectacular views, be sure to get yourself into a training program before you come.

There are two-hundred sixty eight steps.

It's well worth it!

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