Letter to Govenor James Hunt from Cullen Chambers--Lighthouse
Preservation Consultant
March 21, 1998
The Honorable James B. Hunt
State Capitol
Raleigh, NC 27611
Dear Sir,
I am writing to urge your support of the relocation of the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. I am certain that
after ten years of debate, several studies and numerous public hearings, you are well aware of the arguments for
and against the relocation of America's and perhaps the world's most recognized lighthouses.
I will not belabor the issure with a repetition of the arguements. You already know two highly qualified and
esteemed bosies in the scientific community, the National Academy of Sciences in 1988 and a group
of Coastal researchers from North Carolina State University in 1996, both called for the relocation of the
lighthouse as the only reasonable and responsible means of "saving the world's tallest maritime landmark". One
of America's most respected and proven Lighthouse relocation companies, International Chimney
Corporation, has indicated that relocation of the Cape Hatteras is possible and safe and they are willing to put
their world wide reputation to the test, by advocating such a move.
Because I am not a member of the Scientific community and do not have a background in structural
engineering, I must rely on those with proven track records oftraining, knowledge and experience who have
reccommended relocation. Because I am a member of a Chamber of Commerce, I fully understand what
prompted the Dare County Chamber of Commmerce to oppose the relocation of the Hatteras Light. It is safe
to say that the expertise of most Chamber of Commercemembers rest in the promotion of historic sites, not
necessarily their preservation.
However, I do have over twenty years of experience in Historic Preservation. I have served on numerous
Museum and Preservation related Boards; including the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of
Museums as well as being appointed by Florida Secretary of State James Smith to the Florida Museums
Grants in Aid Advisory Council. I served as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee of
the Lighthouse Preservation Society, as well as a member of the National Lighthouse Museum Steering
Committee. I have directed three lighthouse restoration projects, and consulted on six others and written
over two million dollars in grants for various historic projects. I am listing all the above as a preference to my
statement that any argument against the relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse because to do so will mean
the loss of its historic significance, is nothing more than a "red herring"
While no professional nor responsible preservationist would advocate the unneccessary relocation relocation of
a historic resource from its proper historic context, there is the understanding and realization that sometimes, in
the real world, we are faced with a "Move or Lose" situation. In fact, there have been several Lighthouses
which have been moved in the past couple years which had full support and endorsement by the Preservation
Community", because they understood that without relocation, the irreplacable historic resource would have
been lost, diminishing its historic significance and destroying not preserving its proper and tangible historic
context. Not one of the relocated lighthouses have lost any historic designations awarded prior to their
relocation. Such is the case with the relocation of the Cape hatteras Lighthouse. All of the examples of lost
historic designations related to relocation cited in the Save the Hatteras Light position paper were examples of
historic structures moved without just cause. The situation with the Cape Hatteras Light is so different it does
not even merit comparison.
Through my professional involvement in Lighthouse preservation over the past eleven years, I have become
aware of several lighthouses which were relocated by the United States Lighthouse Service. Some were
designed to be relocated, others were not. Over 17 lighthouses have been moved to prevent their loss, many
others were lost because the technology needed for their preservation was not available at the time. After a
decade of research into the United States Lighthouse Service, I assure you, that former Federal Bureau always
attempted to act in good faith with the American taxpayer who funded the construction and maintenance of all
U.S. lighthouses including Cape Hatteras Light. Their cost effective and common sense approach to their
responsibilities would have been to make use of any available technology to save and preserve the lighthouses
under their care. The technology needed to move the Cape Hatteras is still available and already proven today.
If groins, synthetic seaweed, sand bags, and wishful thinking had been successful, there would be no need ot
even discuss the relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse now. Those approaches would have widespread
acceptance and application rather than be prohibited in most areas including North Carolina.
While a few but influential beach front property owners might directly benefit from a Federally funded 4th
groin, that approach does not address the effects of severe and prolonged storms, a universally accepted
understanding that our coastline is in crisis, and the proven effects of salt water on the wooden timbers on
which the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse depends. One need only look at Morris Island in South Carolina to
understand that adverse and inevitable effect.
In conclusion, let me say that all of North Carolina should be proud that "America's Lighthouse" stands on the
Outer Banks of North Carolina. That source of pride should carry with it a sense of responsibility for it.
Everyone has a God given and American protected right to voice an opinion on the relocation issue. However,
after ten long years everything that can be said has been. It is past time to put personal vendetta's and vested
interest aside and "Save the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse" by moving it.
If it is not moved soon, then people who loved the Hatteras Light will only be able to drive to the Outer Banks,
to look at a pile of bricks barely above water and a sign which would read, "Ruins of the Cape Hatteras
Lighthouse to the Left, protective groin to the Right."
Relocating the Hatteras Light is not and act of "running", it is an act of reason
Sincerely submitted,
Cullen Chambers
Lighthouse Preservation Consultant