Welcome to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located in Buxton, North Carolina, USA. As you stand on the sandy shores of this pristine coastline, youll notice an iconic red-and-white spiral striped structure rising up from the dunes - thats the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Erected in 1870 to warn ships away from the dangerous Diamond Shoals, the lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 208 feet (63 meters), making it the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. Its light can be seen up to 20 miles out to sea. The lighthouse itself is made up of approximately 1 million bricks, and its black lantern room is home to a first-order Fresnel lens that projects an unmistakable beam into the night sky.

The journey to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is not for the faint-hearted, as youll need to climb 248 steps along a winding staircase to reach the lantern room at the summit. However, the breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment are worth every effort.

As you explore the lighthouse grounds, be sure to take note of its unique history. In 1999, amid fears that the encroaching ocean would swallow up this national treasure, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet (884 meters) to a safer location further inland. The ambitious $12 million project took 23 days to complete and involved the careful dismantlement of the lighthouse and its reassembly atop steel pilings in its new home.

Today, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands as a symbol of resilience and determination. Its timeless allure continues to captivate visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its majesty and learn more about the maritime history that surrounds it. So go ahead - take a deep breath, start climbing those stairs, and experience firsthand the extraordinary views and rich heritage of this iconic lighthouse.