Hamilton’s Light

Thanks to Treasury Secretary Alexander Hsmilton, not only do we have a great play about him, but he can also be credited for the construction of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. In 1794, Hamilton was on a ship in the area that almost sank on his way to the New World Congress. In 1802, he appropriated $44,000 to build the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which was originally nicknamed Hamilton’s Light. It has been a beacon of light on the Outer Banks known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic for 153 years. In 1999, it was moved 2,900 feet to its present location due to beach erosion. The move took 23 days. Also, the area is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic because it is estimated that 600 – 1000 ships have sunk off the coast. Viewing it at sunset when the light is on is spectacular.