From the beginning, dedicated individuals and preservation groups had brought the possible plight of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to the forefront of media attention. These proactive lighthouse lovers fought battles as the entire nation debated the best course of action. Once the decision had been made to relocate the sentinel, the teetering task of moving the tower was underway. A nation held its breath as the International Chimney Corp. inched the lighthouse back from the turning waters, just as two potentially devastating hurricanes swept the North Carolina coast. Many speculate that the move came just in time, as the hurricanes could have potentially undermined the foundation of Cape Hatteras and tumbled it into the ocean.

Lighthouse lovers rejoiced when the tower came to rest on its new foundation. A relighting ceremony, which took place on November 13, 1999, brought scores of people who, through tears, witnessed their old friend come home again as the beacon flashed its light. The widespread news and media attention of the successful move and re-lighting of this sentinel brought hope to all lighthouse preservationists who are fighting their own battles to keep their beacons lighted.