Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina
Established in 1937, Cape Hatteras National Seashore holds the distinction of being the United States’ first national seashore. Its primary mission is to safeguard significant stretches of the pristine barrier islands that fringe North Carolina’s Atlantic coastline. These barrier islands are dynamic, low-lying landforms that run parallel to the mainland coast, separated from it by sounds, bays, or marshes. Their very nature is one of constant flux, sculpted and reshaped by the relentless forces of storms, ocean currents, sea-level fluctuations, and prevailing winds.
This coastal sanctuary serves as a magnet for those seeking both recreation and tranquility. Beyond its allure for leisure, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stands as a vital resource for a diverse array of scientists. Meteorologists, geologists, oceanographers, and biologists, among others, are drawn to its unique environment, finding ample opportunity for research and discovery within its boundaries.
The islands that comprise Cape Hatteras National Seashore boast a rich and layered history. Over the centuries, they have served as home to a diverse tapestry of inhabitants: Native American tribes, early European settlers, hardy fishermen, resourceful farmers, enslaved Africans, dedicated lighthouse keepers, and countless others. Each group has left its indelible mark, contributing to the vibrant heritage that defines the area today. These coastal communities have weathered countless challenges, witnessing dramatic events such as devastating hurricanes, the infamous demise of the pirate Blackbeard, fierce battles during the Civil War, the construction of iconic lighthouses, and even the ominous presence of German U-boats during World War II. Today, the spirit of resilience and the echoes of the past resonate in the enduring culture, the historic places, and the captivating stories that continue to be told.
Archaeological evidence suggests that Hatteras Island was first inhabited around 500 AD by small Native American tribes. These early inhabitants thrived on a diet sustained by the abundant resources of the sea, relying on game, shellfish, and seafood. Situated miles offshore, they enjoyed a relatively peaceful existence for over a millennium, spared from the constant threat of intertribal warfare that plagued mainland communities. Furthermore, they benefited from milder winters and more consistent food supplies compared to their inland counterparts.
The coastline near what is now Cape Hatteras National Seashore holds a significant place in the annals of European exploration. In 1524, the Italian explorer Giovanni Da Verrazzano, sailing under the French flag, made landfall somewhere along the North Carolina coast, most likely between Hatteras Island and Cape Lookout. He encountered friendly natives, marking an early instance of contact between Europeans and the indigenous people of the region. However, decades would pass before Europeans returned to these shores. The island first appeared on an English map in 1585, bearing the name "Hatterask," a tribute to the Hatteras tribe who called the barrier island home.
In 1587, Captain John White, leading one of the earliest English settlement expeditions, briefly landed on Hatteras Island before proceeding north to Roanoke Island. This fateful decision may have sealed the doom of the 116 colonists who would mysteriously vanish, becoming known as the "Lost Colony." While their ultimate fate remains shrouded in mystery, some historians theorize that the colonists relocated south to Hatteras Island to escape hostile tribes on Roanoke Island. Supporting this theory are accounts from the 1700s describing unusual "blue-eyed" natives on Hatteras Island, as well as the discovery of a 16th-century English ring in Buxton during the 1990s. Permanent English colonial settlements began to emerge on the Outer Banks in the 18th century, establishing small, self-sufficient communities that relied on commercial fishing, hunting, the lumber trade, and subsistence farming. Many descendants of these early settlers continue to reside on the islands to this day, carrying on a legacy of coastal living.
The 18th century witnessed a surge in shipwrecks along the treacherous Diamond Shoals off the North Carolina coast. This dangerous underwater sandbar, coupled with a heavily trafficked trade route, created a perilous gauntlet for mariners. In response, the newly formed U.S. Government authorized the construction of a lighthouse on Hatteras Island in 1794 to aid navigation. Construction commenced in 1799, and the lighthouse was finally illuminated in October 1803. Constructed of sandstone, the original lighthouse stood 90 feet tall and was powered by whale oil. Unfortunately, its effectiveness was limited. Its relatively short stature, the sandstone’s tendency to blend with the background, and the weak signal rendered it unreliable for many offshore vessels. Ultimately, the structure was deemed a failure.
By 1850, the island’s population had grown to approximately 1,000, with the majority residing in the village of Buxton. In 1853, based on studies conducted by the Lighthouse Board, a decision was made to increase the height of the Hatteras Lighthouse by 60 feet, bringing its total height to 150 feet. The extended tower was painted with a distinctive red top over a white base, enhancing its visibility during the day. Simultaneously, the lighthouse was equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, a revolutionary technology that used refraction and reflection to amplify the light, producing a far stronger beam.
Less than a decade later, the Outer Banks found themselves embroiled in the Civil War. Hatteras Island initially served as a Confederate stronghold, but Union forces swiftly seized control during the Battle of Hatteras Inlet in August 1861. Six months later, in February 1862, the Confederates lost Roanoke Island as well. Under Union occupation, Hatteras Island became a sanctuary for freed and runaway slaves, offering them a path towards freedom.
Following the war, the Hatteras Light required extensive repairs. Congress allocated funds for the construction of a new lighthouse, with work commencing in October 1868. On December 1, 1870, the new lighthouse, a conical brick structure rising from an octagon-shaped brick and granite base, was illuminated. Towering at 198.49 feet from its foundation to the pinnacle, it stands as the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. This impressive height was necessary to extend the range of the light beam from the low-lying beach site. The Fresnel lens, powered by kerosene, could be seen from approximately 16 miles offshore. The old 1803 lighthouse was demolished in February 1871.
During this period, the waters off Hatteras Island remained among the most treacherous and heavily trafficked for coastal mariners, primarily due to the notorious Diamond Shoals. The U.S. government intervened in response to the countless shipwrecks that occurred in the region. In the 1870s, the U.S. Lifesaving Service established stations along the Outer Banks, manned by highly skilled and decorated crews, to perform ocean rescues and assist vessels in distress. This service eventually evolved into the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915. Today, Coast Guard stations on Hatteras Island include the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station in Rodanthe, the Pea Island Station near Oregon Inlet, the Kinnakeet Station in Avon, and the Little Kinnakeet Station just north of Avon.
In the early 20th century, Hatteras Island began to attract wealthy visitors drawn to its abundant fishing and hunting opportunities. This influx led to the establishment of hunt clubs and the development of various tourist activities and services.
Prior to the construction of bridges in the 1930s, the only means of transportation to and from the islands was by boat. This isolation contributed to the preservation of the unique maritime culture and the distinctive Outer Banks accent, often referred to as the "brogue," which bears a closer resemblance to English accents than to standard American dialects. "Bankers," as residents of the Outer Banks are often called, are frequently mistaken for being from England or Ireland when traveling outside the region. The brogue becomes more pronounced as one travels south along the Outer Banks, reaching its thickest inflections on Ocracoke Island and Harkers Island.
The 1870 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was electrified in 1934. A year later, the Bureau of Lighthouses decommissioned it due to the growing threat of beach erosion. On November 9, 1937, the Cape Hatteras Light Station was transferred to the National Park Service. While the park was not yet fully operational, the lighthouse and the keepers’ quarters became part of the nation’s first National Seashore. In the interim, the beacon was temporarily relocated to a skeletal steel tower.
While advancements in technology gradually reduced the threat posed by the Diamond Shoals, a new danger emerged during World War II in the form of German U-boats lurking off the shores of Hatteras Island. These stealthy submarines wreaked havoc on Allied shipping, sinking numerous British vessels. Wreckage and even bodies frequently washed ashore on Hatteras Island, serving as a stark reminder of the war’s proximity.
In 1953, Cape Hatteras National Seashore was officially established, with significant portions of land donated or sold by local residents. Approximately 60% of the seashore is now protected from private ownership and future development, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. A decade later, the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge was completed, replacing the Oregon Inlet ferry and providing unprecedented access to Hatteras Island for millions of visitors. The bridge’s completion spurred a surge in development and tourism on Hatteras Island, leading to the establishment of a new oceanfront community known as "Hatteras Colony."
In 1999, the Cape Hatteras Light Station faced an existential threat due to relentless shoreline erosion and had to be moved. When it was completed in 1870, the lighthouse stood a safe 1,500 feet from the ocean. However, storm-driven tides constantly washed over Hatteras Island, gradually eroding sand from the ocean side and depositing it on the sound side. This process, which has caused the Outer Banks to migrate westward for at least the past 10,000 years, had reduced the distance to a mere 120 feet by 1970, placing the lighthouse on the brink of destruction. The entire light station, including seven historic structures, was successfully relocated 2,900 feet inland, preserving a vital piece of maritime history.
Today, Cape Hatteras National Seashore encompasses parts of three barrier islands: Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island. Visitors can explore pristine beaches, tranquil sounds, campgrounds, nature trails, and historic lighthouses on all three islands, experiencing the unique beauty and rich history of this remarkable coastal treasure.
More Information:
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
46375 Lighthouse Road
Cape Hatteras Light Station
Buxton, NC 27920
252-473-2111