Authorities are investigating after the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was vandalized.
The National Park Service shared photos of the damage, showing the letters “S E F” etched onto the original bronze door of the lighthouse.
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The lighthouse, which is a national historic landmark and the tallest brick lighthouse in the Unites States, opened in 1870. It was moved away from the ocean to its present location in 1999.
“Many residents of Hatteras Island have served as lighthouse keepers in the 1800s and 1900s, taking care of the iconic structure and helping to protect mariners off the coast,” Superintendent David Hallac said. “It is important that we treat the lighthouse with respect to honor the structure itself and the legacy of those that served in it.
Anybody with information about the vandalism is asked to contact authorities.