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!
