Moving a Lighthouse

Before move

When it was built in 1870, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stood 1,500 feet from the Atlantic Ocean on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. However in 1999, when it was moved back 2,900 feet,  it was in danger of being swallowed by that ocean. In a way, it's surprising that it survived so long.

A study done in 1987 gave 10 possible solutions to saving the structure, but they recommended relocation as the most cost-effective. Many, however, expressed concerns that such a move would destroy the tallest lighthouse in the United States. Short term measures were implemented while the debate went on and supporters raised funds to save it.

Finally, the International Chimney Corp. of Buffalo New York was awarded the contract and enlisted help from some other companies. The original foundation was replaced with temporary supports and a system using beams, hydraulic jacks, and rollers were used to roll the lighthouse along, inch by inch. It made it to its new location on July 9, 1999, where a new foundation awaited it.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse resumed its watch in November 1999. It remains a steadfast sentinel to the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," at Diamond Shoals, where the warm Gulf Stream collides with the colder Labrador Current.

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