<P> The new light consisted of a 36 - inch (0.91 m) aviation - type rotating beacon of 250,000 candlepower, visible 20 miles (32 km), and flashing white every 7.5 seconds . The steel skeleton tower, known as the Buxton Woods Tower, was retained by the Coast Guard in the event that the brick tower again became endangered by erosion requiring that the light again be moved . </P> <P> The light displays a highly visible black and white diagonal Daymark paint job . It shares similar markings with the St. Augustine Light . Another lighthouse, with helical markings--red and white' candy cane stripe'--is the White Shoal Light (Michigan), which is the only true' barber pole' lighthouse in the United States . Its distinctive "barber pole" paint job is consistent with other North Carolina black - and - white lighthouses, "each with their own pattern to help sailors identify lighthouses during daylight hours ." </P> <P> The National Park Service acquired ownership of the lighthouse when it was abandoned in 1935 . Today the Coast Guard owns and operates the navigational equipment, while the National Park Service maintains the tower as a historic structure . The Hatteras Island Visitor Center, formerly the Double Keepers Quarters located next to the lighthouse, elaborates on the Cape Hatteras story and the lifestyle on the Outer Banks . Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, tallest in the United States, stands 208 feet (63 m) from the bottom of the foundation to the peak of the roof . To reach the light, which shines 191 feet (58 m) above mean high - water mark, requires climbing 268 steps . The construction order of 1,250,000 bricks was used in construction of the lighthouse and principal keeper's quarters . </P> <P> In 1999, with the sea again encroaching, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse had to be moved from its original location at the edge of the ocean to safer ground 2,900 feet (880 m) inland, and 1,500 feet (460 m) from the shoreline . Due to erosion of the shore, the lighthouse was just 15 feet (4.6 m) from the ocean's edge and was in imminent danger . International Chimney Corp. of Buffalo, New York was awarded the contract to move the lighthouse, assisted, among other contractors, by Expert House Movers . The move was controversial at the time with speculation that the structure would not survive the move, resulting in lawsuits that were later dismissed . Despite some opposition, work progressed and the move was completed on September 14, 1999 . </P>

Is the cape hatteras lighthouse still in use