Towering 190 feet tall it is probably the tallest brick tower light in the U.S. Known as the Sentinel of the Shore, its beam is visible for 24 nautical miles. Within its tower is a tread curved stairway. U.S. Coast Guard records erroneously indicate first operations in 1798, it was actually established in 1803. Steady beach erosion did threaten Cape hatteras Lighthouse. In 1870 the water's edge was situated 1,300 feet from the base of the tower. Today the lighthouse has been moved several hundred feet inland. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is located off Route 12 in Buxton.
