Front:
25
SHINGTON
APR
26
1990
CAPE HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA
20066
DC
Back:
CAPE HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA
First Day of Issue: April 26, 1990
First Issue Location: Washington, D.C.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse lies at the crook of a
bending arm of barrier islands off the coast of North
Carolina known as the Outer Banks. The turbulent waters
and shifting sandbars of nearby Diamond Shoals have
vexed mariners for centuries, and many a voyage has
ended here in tragedy as storm and shoal conspired to
defeat even the most experienced navigator. In an attempt
to assist these hardy sailors, a lighthouse has been signal-
ing from Cape Hatteras since 1803, but the lighthouse
itself may soon become a victim of the sea. In its early
days, more than a mile of beach protected the brick tower
of the lighthouse from the threat of the sea. Today, at high
tide in winter, the beach may only measure one hundred
fifty feet. Over the years, attempts have been made to
replenish the beach and halt the encroachment of the sea
against this, the tallest brick lighthouse in America. These
efforts will continue and in the future, such rescues may
be funded at least in part by The Lighthouse Preservation
Society and its friends.
GITHOUSE
No. 90-16
THEL
PRESEE
ATION
SOCIETE
OFFICIAL MAXIMUM CARD
©1990 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation • Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by Dennis Lyall
