Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the first national
seashore established in the country, attracts people from all over the world.
Its beautiful sandy beaches, rich history, famous lighthouse and unusual
geographic location offer a fascinating mix of natural resources, recreational
opportunities and American history.
Stretching over seventy miles of barrier islands that
make up North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has much
to offer visitors. Swimming tops the list, as the ocean water temperature is
pleasant from May well into September. Visitors can regularly be seen sun
bathing, fishing, wind-surfing, and enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches
you’ll find. In fact, the park’s fishing and surfing are considered to be the best
on the east coast. There are many good restaurants, as well as grocery stores,
gift shops, tackle shops, and just about anything else you’ll need.
Once dubbed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” Cape
Hatteras has a wealth of history relating to shipwrecks. One account says 230
ships of more than 50 tons sank off Cape Hatteras National Seashore, between
1866 and 1945. Another says well over 2,200 ships have sunk off the Outer Banks
since Europeans first arrived. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse was built to help
ships to avoid the treacherous shoals.
The historic lighthouse is the park’s most famous
attraction. The most recognizable lighthouse in America, the symbol of North
Carolina is the country’s tallest brick lighthouse, at 208 feet. The
black-and-white spiral striped structure was built in 1870, at a cost of
$155,000. At the time, it was 1,600 feet from the shoreline, but by 1987,
coastal erosion left it standing only 160 feet from the sea. Facing eventual
destruction due to erosion, the historic landmark was relocated a half-mile
inland and again placed 1,600 feet from the shore. The extraordinary
engineering feat was accomplished at a cost of nearly ten million dollars.
The 72-mile stretch of the Outer Banks that comprises
the nation’s first National Seashore is one of the country’s most visited
national parks. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore encompasses some of the
most environmentally fragile real estate in the world. Its historic lighthouse
was nearly claimed by the Atlantic Ocean, but was rescued and is once again
open to the public. For a combination of rest, relaxation, as well as American
maritime history, it’s hard to beat Cape Hatteras.
