Cape Hatteras Light House was first lit in 1870. The original lighthouse was demolished and the current one was built in its place. It is 280 ft. high and has 268 stairs. Climbing it is equivalent to climbing a 12 story building. It is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. In 1999 the light house was moved to its current location to protect it from beach erosion. We were fortunate enough to have seen it in its original location and during the move and at its present location. It is operated by the National Park Service.