InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society > Student Materials > Section B: The United States > North Carolina Outer Banks > Site D
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Initial Publication Date: December 7, 2016

Site D

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is an Outer Banks icon. It was constructed in 1870 and is 210 feet tall, making it the 14th tallest lighthouse in the world. The lighthouse marks the site where the Gulf Stream meets the Labrador Current. The shifting shoals sunk many ships including Civil War ironclad warship USS Monitor. This area is known as the "Graveyard of the Sea."

In 1870, the lighthouse was 1,500 ft from the shoreline. By 1919, the shoreline was within 300 feet of the lighthouse. The first groin was constructed in 1930. In 1988, the National Academy of Sciences recommended that the lighthouse be moved. Various groin constructions, beach renourishment projects, and sand bag emplacements were attempted before 1999, when the lighthouse was moved. The battle with the sea was not to be won. After its move the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse again sits 1,500 ft inland.

International Chimney Corporation (ICC) was awarded the contract to move the lighthouse. Work began mid-December 1998. The new location and travel path had to be prepared for the move. Over 100 50-ton jacks were used to elevate the lighthouse 6 feet. Massive steel beams supported the lighthouse's foundation. 9,000 pieces of oak cribbing were placed beneath the main beams. The move occurred from June 17- July 9. The lighthouse was relocated a total of 2,900 ft and averaged 130 ft/ day. The relocation became known as "The Move of the Millenium." ICC won the Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Consider these questions:

  1. Do you think moving the lighthouse was worth the effort? Consider the tourism industry, historical significance, and sustainability.
  2. How would you have solved this issue? Would you have moved the lighthouse, let it fall into the ocean, continued to increase protective barriers (Some engineers suggested building a protective wall around the lighthouse)? Do you have a different solution?
  3. Why do you think the relocation is so popular?

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »