In 1999, after years of study and debate, the Cape Hatteras Light Station was moved to its present location. The lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet in 23 days and now lies 1,500 feet from the seashore, its original distance from the sea.

Why was the Hatteras lighthouse moved?

The newer lighthouse suffered severe beach erosion. Finally, in 1999, it was determined that the Cape Hatteras Light Station had to be moved in order to preserve it. ... To do so, movers placed steel beams under the structure along with hydraulic jacks to lift the entire lighthouse off the ground.

How many times has the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse been moved?

N.C. 12 has been moved four times, according to Riggs' historic maps. Curves in the road likely indicate a place where the road was shifted westward away from the encroaching ocean, he said.