.In 1953, a 72-mile stretch of the Outer Banks from Nags Head to Ocracoke Island was set aside as the nation's first National Seashore. Today, most of Hatteras Island remains protected by that designation and is a one of the country's most visited National Parks. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore encompasses some of the most historic and environmentally fragile real estate in the world and is a paradox in many ways.
The Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci set foot on the beach here in the 16th Century. Four hundred years later, the wreckage of ships destroyed by German U-boats washed up on the same beaches. Blackbeard the Pirate once terrorized shipping from his base at Ocracoke. Today, the only terrifying aspect of a trip to that beautiful island is a wait at the ferry docks.
Wind and water shape the island's dunes and inlets, and yet a maritime forest at Buxton provides a calm oasis. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, tallest in the nation, was nearly claimed by the Atlantic Ocean but was rescued in the nick of time in 1999 by moving the entire structure away from the sea.
But perhaps most importantly is the fact that Hatteras Island is one of the last places on earth where you can go on the Fourth of July weekend and stake out a stretch of beach to call your very own. Reprinted from ICW.net
PEA ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE PRESERVE
Located on the north end of Hatteras Island, this refuge was established in 1938 for the protection of wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl. Stretching twelve miles from the Oregon Inlet to Rodanthe, it encompasses 6000 acres of land and 25,700 acres of boundary water of the Pamlico Sound, where hunting is off-limits. Pea Island is named for the wild pea vine which grows in there abundance.
Truly a ''birder's paradise,'' it is a haven for more than 265 species of birds such as Canada and snow geese, more than 25 species of duck, tundra swan, heron, egret, tern, and many other birds that pass through during fall and spring migrations. Several platforms are provided for free observation of the diversity of wildlife found on the refuge. A hiking trail is available or a walk
THE THREE VILLAGES OF RODANTHE, WAVES AND SALVO
Today the three villages of Rodanthe, Waves, & Salvo practically join together along Highway 12, but this famous "beach road" did not completely link the island villages until 1953. Until then, they had distinct identities and rivaled one another in the island trades of fishing, hunting, and lifesaving.
Rodanthe is located on the northern end of Hatteras Island, the first village below Oregon Inlet and The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Waves is located on the northern end of Hatteras Island, the second village below Oregon Inlet and The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Like Salvo, a drive through the older sections of Waves will reveal the tools of the fishing trade --stacked crab pots, fish boxes, nets, and boats.
Salvo is located on the northern end of Hatteras Island, the third village of the present Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo trio. A drive through the older soundside sections of Salvo or Waves will reveal the stacked crab pots, fish boxes, and the true Bankers --the fishermen-- at work.
Hatteras Island has become one of the premiere windsurfing destinations on the East Coast. Just south of Avon, the "Canadian Hole" is one of the most popular spots. Windsurfers are drawn by the ever-present winds along the Outer Banks --just as the Wright Brothers were drawn to Kill Devil Hills, sixty miles to the north, in 1903.
THE VILLAGES OF AVON, BUXTON AND HATTERAS VILLAGE
The original village of Avon is situated on a picturesque harbor, and still retains some of the old-style island homes. Fishing boats still frequent the harbor Avon has a newly open medical clinic and is home to the best Red Drum fishing pier in the country.
Located at the island's widest point, and near the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton has become the "center of the island" for residents and visitors. The National Park Service maintains a small museum and visitor center near the lighthouse
The Buxton Woods nature trail is a marked walk explaining the ecosystem of the area. Noted as one of the country's most beautiful remaining maritime forests, it begins in Buxton and continues down Hatteras Island to the village of Frisco.
The actual point of land which juts into the Atlantic at Cape Hatteras, known locally as "Cape Point," is the island's most popular spot to fish in the surf.
Frisco's nationally known Native American Museum is packed full of authentic Indian collections and educational displays. A nearby nature trail offers a chance to view the local habitat. The site of an ancient Indian village has been found near the Museum and is currently being excavated.
The National Park Service has one of its more popular campgrounds nearby. The local pier is also a very popular attraction for anglers. Near the pier, there is a public parking area providing easy beach access and a bathhouse.
Hatteras Village, unlike most of the other communities on the island, retained its original name. "Village" is often added to avoid confusing the community with Cape Hatteras --the actual cape-- located 13 miles to the north, or with Hatteras Inlet, about 4 miles south at the end of the island.
Visit the village of Hatteras and listen closely to the native brogue, reportedly derived from Devon. Are these islanders descended from shipwrecked English sailors?
This commercial fishing center is host to several prestigious fishing tournaments. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum near the Hatteras Inlet Ferry Terminal on the south end of Hatteras is now open.
The information above has been excerted from ICW.NET to read more about the Pea Island and the Villages click HERE
