Built in 1870 and standing 208 feet tall, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse opened to visitors in the summer of 1993 for the first time in almost 10 years. That summer over 150,000 people climbed the 248 spiral steps to reach the cast iron balcony and enjoy the breathtaking view of this narrow strip of sand called Hatteras Island. Composed of dunes, dense salt marshes, freshwater swales and one of the most pristine maritime forests remaining on the East Coast, Hatteras is the destination for vacationers in search of fishing, windsurfing, birdwatching or total relaxation and beachcombing. Like the lighthouse, time and the perils of weather have only made this remote island and its residents more alluring. Already hammered by three major storms packing winds over 70 knots during the last few years, Hatteras felt the effects of being 30 miles at sea when Hurricane Emily roared by on the afternoon of August 31, 1993. Designated the worst hurricane of this century at Hatteras, Emily rearranged buildings, habitat and lives. Anyone who has spent time on this island knows that the wind that howls today will become tomorrow's warm gentle breeze. The enchantment compels residents to remain and visitors to return. The US Lifesaving Service, the predecessor of today's US Coast Guard, knew that Mother Nature was fickle. The history of shipwrecks on this coast known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic and the heroism of the rescue crews is preserved and on display in Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station. The station and grounds are now restored and open to the public.

Rich in history, scenic beauty and offering diverse recreation opportunities, Hatteras will be preserved for generations to come by the guardsmanship of the National Park Service. This entire oceanfront is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and as such will remain a national treasure for all to enjoy. About the author: Gee Gee Rosell is the owner of Buxton Village Books located on Hatteras Island. We are grateful for her continuing support and sponsorship of the North Carolina's Outer Banks Internet Project. About the Photographer and the Photograph: Michael Halminski has been a resident of Hatteras Island since 1973. His work has appeared in several national publications including Newsweek, Orion, the Washington Post and the Philadelphia Inquirer. We are grateful to him for allowing us to use his photograph of the fishing fleet at Hatteras and his continuing support and sponsorship of the North Carolina's Outer Banks Internet Project.