Cape Lookout National Seashore, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Historic Structure Report
Oppermann JK. 2009. Cape Lookout National Seashore, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Historic Structure Report. Historic Structure Report. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Atlanta, Georgia
In June 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard turned over control of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse to the National Park Service while retaining operational control of the light. When the lighthouse opened to the public, the crowds were unprecedented, as more people ascended the tower’s stairs in a few days than had in the previous one hundred-plus years. With this increased visitation, concern for the safety of the public led to the suspension of public tours in February 2008. The National Park Service Southeast Regional Office subsequently contracted with Joseph K. Oppermann – Architect, P.A. to prepare this Historical Structure Report with a structural assessment/carrying-capacity analysis, a code compliance analysis with stair-loading recommendations, the testing of certain building materials, and the preparation of a budget for repairs. Assessments of the age of the building components were conducted, as well as assessments of the physical condition of architectural elements. This report identifies needs that must be addressed in order to provide for the long term preservation and public use of this important landmark. The first Cape Lookout Lighthouse Station was completed in 1812, consisting of a tower and a keeper dwelling. A taller tower with a Fresnel lens was completed in 1859. Over time, small modifications were made and new equipment was installed. The distinctive black-and-white diamond pattern paint scheme was first applied in 1873. The U.S. Lighthouse Service was discontinued in 1939 and its equipment and personnel were transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard. This report describes the development of the structure in the historical context, physical description, and treatment recommendations based on structural and material analysis.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Oppermann, Joseph
- Date of Issue
- 2009
- Publisher
- U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
- Units
- CALO , HIST , SER
- Keywords
- Architecture, Cape Lookout, Coast Guard, Construction, Cultural Resources, ehistory, Fresnel Lens, History, Light Keeper, light station, light tower, lighthouse, Maintenance, maritime history, navigation, observation deck, Preservation, technology, U.S. Lighthouse Service, World War II
- Subjects
- CRIS-HS: 000018: Cape Lookout Lighthouse