Spooky Sight at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: It’s Not What You Think!
Located in the charming town of Buxton, North Carolina, the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is making headlines for something a bit unusual. As Halloween draws near, this iconic beacon, which has been standing tall since 1870, is getting a spooky new look that has caught the attention of many. You won’t believe what’s happening!
A Little History About the Lighthouse
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, stands at a towering 198 feet. It’s not just a beautiful sight; it also plays a vital role in maritime safety, helping ships navigate the treacherous waters off the Outer Banks. This area is notoriously known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” due to the shipwrecks of over 2,000 vessels, including some at the hands of German U-boats during World War II.
The “Bleeding” Lighthouse?
So, what’s this buzz about the lighthouse “bleeding”? Well, it turns out that during a recent restoration project, workers began noticing some ominous red streaks running down the sides of the lighthouse. Is it the work of ghostly spirits? Not quite! According to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this eerie phenomenon is directly linked to the renovation work happening on the 154-year-old tower.
The National Park Service shared a jovial post on social media, referring to the streaks as “spooky” but pointing out it’s just a coincidence that they appeared right before Halloween. The process includes vapor blasting to remove old paint, which has almost entirely stripped away surface coatings without harming the brick or mortar. However, it’s the red garnet used in the blasting that has resulted in these strange, blood-like streaks.
What’s Next for the Lighthouse?
Good news for those of you who might find the sight a tad unsettling: the red streaks are expected to disappear when the lighthouse gets its classic black and white spiral repainted early next year. The lighthouse continues to attract around 500,000 visitors annually, so don’t worry, it will be back to its iconic look soon enough!
A Haunted Reputation
Adding to the eerie atmosphere is the lighthouse’s reputation for hauntings. Locals have long spoken of a mysterious figure known as the “gray man,” who appears during storms as a misty apparition. Legend also tells of a playful “ghost cat” that roams the grounds. According to local lore, this ghostly feline loves to rub against visitors’ legs and permits petting—but if you try to pick it up, it mysteriously vanishes!
Visiting Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
If you’re planning a trip, go ahead and visit this magnificent lighthouse, but perhaps be prepared for a little ghostly fun! Whether you’re a fan of history, maritime lore, or just want to snap some pictures of this beautiful landmark, it’s a fantastic destination that offers both scenic views and spine-tingling tales.
So, while the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse might be a bit spooky right now, it’s certainly a part of what makes this location so special. With its blend of history, mystery, and vibrant coastal scenery, it’s a must-see for tourists and ghost hunters alike!
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
