The Cape Hatteras Light is among the oldest, most important lightstations along the Atlantic coast. Construction was first authorized in 1794 when Congress first recognized the danger in this treacherous area. Offshore at Cape Hatteras, the Gulf Stream collides with the inshore current, forcing southbound ships onto a dangerous twelve mile-long sandbar called Diamond Shoals. Hundreds of shipwrecks in this area have given it the reputation as the "graveyard of the Atlantic." Despite the need, new construction did not begin until 1799 and was completed in 1803.

By the 1850's the need for extensive repairs was obvious and Congress committed the funds for a new tower and the work was completed in 1870. The original tower was demolished a few months later.

The National Park Service acquired the station in 1935 and it is part of the Cape Hatteras National Park. The Park Service maintains the lighttower and the keepers cottages while the Coast Guard operates and maintains the automated light.

As the creator of this image and the oldest Federal preservation program, the Historic Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record, HABS/HAER, produces graphic and written documentation of historically significant architectural, engineering and industrial sites and structures. Dating from 1934, HABS was chartered to document historic architecture of national or regional significance. The Library of Congress preserves the records and makes them available for study, and supplies reproductions on request. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a co-sponsor of the HABS program.

Similarly, in 1969, recognizing the fragility and unique nature of America's industrial and engineering heritage, the National Park Service, the Library of Congress and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) established the Historic American Engineering record (HAER) to document significant engineering and industrial sites.

Medium : Measured drawings

Created/Published : 1989

Creator : Historic American Building Survey, National Park Service

Frame : Bright black metal, 1/4", Size : 20 1/4" x 29 3/4"

Part of the Historic American Building Survey Collection housed in the Prints & Photograph Division of the Library of Congress

Price: $130.00

Availability: Usually ships in one to two weeks

Product #: FR0056