5/14/13 11:05 AM

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Moving the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
By Crystal Morton

1
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1870 to help guide mariners around the
turbulent waters of Cape Hatteras, known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The lighthouse
has become a symbol of North Carolina and is well-known throughout the United States.
Over time, erosion (the wearing away of sand, rock, and soil by wind, water, or ice) has
caused most of the seashore on which the lighthouse stood to be washed away.

2
Since the 1930s, efforts have been made to protect the lighthouse. In the 1960s and
1970s, beach nourishment, or replacing sand that has been washed away, was attempted. In
addition, the Coast Guard built several groins (walls of stone built perpendicular to the
shore) to help protect the landmark. In spite of human intervention, Mother Nature had her
way, sending powerful hurricanes and pounding nor'easters (winter storms that batter the
shore, much like a hurricane) again and again. By the 1980s, the lighthouse was only 120
feet from the Atlantic Ocean.

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Finally, in 1989 the National Park Service, which operates the lighthouse, began to have
discussions about moving the landmark. Many citizens of North Carolina were against the
move. Some of the questions and comments were: "How can they possibly do that?" "What
if they damage the lighthouse?" "The historical value will be compromised if they move it."
Many other North Carolina citizens, however, supported the move. "We can't let it fall into
the Atlantic Ocean!" was the answer to many of the questions asked by those against the
move.

4
In 1997, Congress approved the money necessary for the move. It would still take some
time before things got "rolling." On June 17, 1999, the lighthouse began its journey of 2,900
feet. The trip finally ended on July 19, 1999. Now the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a full
1,600 feet from the ocean. The 208-feet tall, 129-year old structure has been saved through
the use of modern technology.
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5/14/13 11:05 AM
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Name _____________________________ Date ___________________
Moving the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
1.
How old is the Cape Hatteras
Lighthouse?
203 years old
129 years old
120 years old
208 years old
2.
Why did the lighthouse need to be
moved?
Mariners couldn't see it.
The National Park Service wanted
to become involved.
It was too close to the ocean.
It didn't need to be moved.
3.
What is a nor'easter?
A winter storm that is similar to a
hurricane in rainfall, wind speeds, and
erosion.
A winter storm that is similar to a
tornado, except it causes beach erosion.
A winter storm that only affects
North Carolina
A summer storm similar to a
hurricane but not as strong.
4.
What attempts at saving the lighthouse
were made in the 1960s and 1970s?
Beach nourishment to replenish the
sand that had been washed away.
The construction of groins to
change the direction of the water.
Moving the lighthouse away from
the shore.
Both A and B
None of the above.
5.
What were some of the concerns North
Carolina citizens had about moving the
lighthouse?
"It can't be done."
"What if it gets damaged?"
"Moving it will change the history"
All of the above.
6.
How long did it take to move the
lighthouse?
Two months.
Two weeks
Three years.
Thirty-three days.