Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Panoramas - Balcony

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Cape Hatteras Balcony - South

From this vantage point, Cape Point is easily visible. Stretching out from this point is the beginning of the Diamond Shoals, a series of dynamic underwater sandbars that extend out 10 to 12 miles. Just offshore from this location is also the point where the Gulf Stream and Labrador Currents meet in the Atlantic Ocean. The shoals and confluence of currents are what make these waters so treacherous and earned this area the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The south side of the balcony is in front of an open black cast iron door leading to the interior of the lighthouse with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The balcony encircles the cylindrical Top Level of the lighthouse, which is completely sheathed in black-painted cast iron. The floor is diamond-textured and has a perimeter railing, both also made of black-painted cast iron. The lantern and lantern balcony are visible above.

HDP/Paul Davidson

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Cape Hatteras Balcony - West

The balcony encircles the cylindrical Top Level of the lighthouse, which is completely sheathed in black-painted cast iron. The floor is diamond-textured and has a perimeter railing, both also made of black-painted cast iron. The lantern and lantern balcony are visible above. The west side of the lighthouse balcony has views of a green maritime forest, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound in the distance.

HDP/Paul Davidson

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Cape Hatteras Balcony - North

On the North side of the of the balcony the view includes the Principal Keeper’s Quarters and the Double Keeper’s Quarters on the grounds below, as well as the Pamlico Sound with the Village of Buxton visible in the distance. The two keepers’ quarters would have housed the three lighthouse keepers and their families while they were stationed at the lighthouse.

HDP/Paul Davidson

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Cape Hatteras Balcony - East

In 1999, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was relocated from its original location to protect it from the everchanging shoreline of the barrier island. The lighthouse traveled 2900 feet inland from the beach, to its current site through the clearing that is still visible. Today, the lighthouse sits approximately 1500 feet away from the shoreline, the same distance as when it was constructed in its original location in 1870. On the east side of the balcony the view includes the Hatteras Island Visitor Center, Keeper’s of the Light Amphitheater, and the Atlantic Ocean.

HDP/Paul Davidson

No photo was found with that id.

Cape Hatteras Balcony - Sunset

Every night, regardless of the weather, the lighthouse keeper stood vigil at the top of the lighthouse to make sure the light stayed lit and to keep watch for ships in distress. Standing on the west side of the balcony there is a view of a sunset in the distance, overlooking a green maritime forest and the Pamlico Sound. The balcony encircles the cylindrical of the lighthouse, which is completely sheathed in black-painted cast iron. The floor is diamond-textured and has a perimeter railing, both also made of black-painted cast iron. The lantern and lantern balcony are visible above.

HDP/Paul Davidson