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Cape Hatteras National Seashore Debating How To Deal With Storm-Battered Ocracoke Light

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By NPT Staff - May 2nd, 2021

The Ocracoke Light Station at Cape Hatteras National Seashore needs repairs/NPS file

With Ocracoke Light at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina in need of repairs due to storm damage, the National Park Service staff is debating how much effort and expense to put into that work, and is seeking public input on the matter.

Two public meetings are scheduled for the coming weeks so the staff can receive public input on how to sustainably preserve the historic resources at the Ocracoke Light Station in the wake of recent storm damage and in consideration of future impacts from climate change and sea-level rise while providing visitor access to the site. The following are potential site preservation ideas that will be presented at the civic engagement meetings.

  • Option 1 - Repair as is: Repair storm damage and preserve site as is.
  • Option 2 - Repair and Elevate: Repair storm damage, replace existing shotcrete at lighthouse with historic parge coat, and elevate all structures, except the lighthouse.
  • Option 3 - Rehabilitate to 1823 Site: Remove the Keeper's Quarters 1929 Addition and restore/rehabilitate the Keeper's Quarters using as many original features (e.g., bricks) from the house as possible; restore/rehabilitate the Light Station structures and site to the 1823-1854 Period of Interpretation; and elevate all structures, except the lighthouse. Restoration/rehabilitation to the 1823-1854 Period of Interpretation would include: Replacing existing shotcrete at lighthouse with historic parge coat and exposing original stone foundation at lighthouse; Replacing existing metal spiral stair case with historically accurate wood staircase; Remove other structures except for the 1823 privy.
  • Option 4 - Relocate: Relocate the lighthouse and the Keeper's Quarters to a higher elevation, more storm- and flood- resistant location on Ocracoke Island.

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