This Land, Your Land

Cape Hatteras National Seashore will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on October 2 with free admission to the 139-year-old beacon.

A program on the grounds of the lighthouse from 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday will recognize the 1999 project to move the lighthouse 2,900 feet southwest from its original 1870 location. The current location (below) is 1,600 feet from the eroding Atlantic Ocean shoreline.

The move, which required about 175 days of on-site preparation, was completed in 23 days from June 17 to July 9, 1999, amid a great deal of media coverage and controversy, a National Park Service news release recalls.

October 2 will be a "fee free" day at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the fee to climb the 248 steps of the iron spiral staircase will be waived. Normally tickets are $7 for adults and $3.50 for children and senior citizens.