The large number of ships that ran aground because of these shifting sandbars gave this area the nickname "Graveyard of the Atlantic." It also led Congress to authorize the construction of the Cape Hatteras Light. Its 210-foot height makes it the tallest brick lighthouse structure in the United States and 2nd in the world.[5][6] Since its base is almost at sea level, it is only the 15th highest light in the United States, the first 14 being built on higher ground.