January 15, 1999 Update

A visit to the lighthouse relocation site lets us see the progress on the move:

The pathway to the new location has been cleared (the "move corridor") and graded. Each day more of the pieces important to achieve the relocation arrive by truck: wood (oak) cribbing, steel beams, gravel, etc.

Sensors are being installed from top to bottom on the tower. The sensors will alert workers of any change or shift to a fraction of an inch in the tower. The sensors are connected to a central system. Signals are relayed to receivers worn by the movers and their team whether they on site or having lunch in Buxton, Chesapeake, Princeton or Buffalo. The unified jack system will be the first to react with an evening of pressure to adjust should there be any change in the tower. Numerous backup systems are in place to keep the process running smoothly.

The entry granite steps have been removed, numbered and stored to be replaced after relocation.

The brick walkways have been numbered, stored, and will also be replaced exactly the same after the move.

Chimneys (3) on the principal keeper's house have been braced; by the end of January movers plan to have both dwelllings loaded onto flatbed trucks on large rubber tired dollies to move into "storage" until the tower has been moved. Each part of the light station will then be placed exactly at the same angle and distance from one another as they are on the original site.

Excavation around the foundation of the tower will begin by the end of January and the mining of stone will begin soon thereafter.

International Chimney Corporation along with Expert House Movers remain on schedule to have the tower ready to begin the move in early May.

There is 24 hour security at the site.

Security fencing is in place around the entire light station but visitors can still get a great view of the lighthouse and the activity bustling around the historic landmark, readying her for a move into the future.