Cape Lookout Lighthouse Restoration Project

Constructed in 1859, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse was built to warn mariners about the Cape Lookout Shoals, which extend approximately 10 miles southeast of Cape Point. As the first lighthouse of its kind in North Carolina, the tower was significantly taller than the previous 1812 lighthouse and could be seen up to 15 miles out to sea. In the 1870s, with other tall red brick lighthouses being constructed along North Carolina's coast, the United States Lighthouse Board assigned each lighthouse a distinctive daymark, or color pattern. In 1873, the distinctive black and white diagonal checker pattern became Cape Lookout's official daymark. The Cape Lookout Light Station, which includes the lighthouse, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 to commemorate its role in maritime navigation.

Located on a remote barrier island along the Atlantic Coast, the lighthouse is continuously exposed to salty air, strong winds, intense sunlight, and a harsh, ever-changing environment. These conditions contribute to the gradual deterioration of the lighthouse structure. In 2021, the National Park Service conducted a pre-season safety inspection that identified several structural issues with the stairs and handrails. Following a more comprehensive evaluation by structural engineers, it was decided to close the lighthouse out of concern for safety and a restoration project began to take shape. Since that time, Cape Lookout National Seashore secured financial support by a combination of funding sources, including National Park Service Line-Item Construction Funds, Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLERA) Revenues, and Cyclic Maintenance funds. These fund resources enable Cape Lookout National Seashore to enhance and maintain facilities for the benefit of the public.

Stone and Lime Historic Restoration Services of North Brookfield, Massachusetts, won the bid on the contract for the restoration project. The work includes repairing or replacing the stairs, handrails, landings, glass panes, windows, and doors. The exterior paint will be removed down to red brick and reapplied to allow the original bricks to "breathe," so air can flow throughout the tower as originally designed. The watch level, lantern room, and dome will be removed to refurbish the ironwork. A temporary cap will be placed atop the lighthouse tower until the refurbishment is complete. The U.S. Coast Guard is the owner and operator of the light. Throughout this procedure, they will manage the light.The entire restoration is expected to take two to three years.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is a significant landmark in the Carteret County community, serving as a symbol for mariners, locals, and visitors to the Crystal Coast. Cape Lookout National Seashore is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural and cultural resources of the barrier islands.

This page will be updated regularly throughout the renovation project.