ftGPO 19/3bl598b '11/ REVISED 1973 NATIONAL SEASHORE •

ATTENTION FISHERMEN: The congressional law creating Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects the right of local, commercial, net fishermen to pursue their liveli­ hood from the beaches within the park. At the same time, this national seashore was set aside to provide high-quality recreational experiences for all people, and sports fishing and fishermen are considered highly appropriate.

It is the sincere wish of the National Park Ser­ vice that both groups use this resource harmoni­ ously, cooperatively, and with respect for each other as well as for all park visitors.

INFORMATION You can obtain information at National Park Ser­ vice headquarters at Fort Raleigh and during the summer season at visitor centers near Bodie Is­ land Lighthouse. , and the village of Ocracoke.

National Park Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR From Whalebone Junction southward and south- kinds of vegetation on the include westward to , Cape Hatteras Na­ the mixed shrubbery of yaupon, bayberry, silver- tional Seashore preserves 45 square miles of ling, and gallberry, and the live oak and loblolly beach land. It is divided into four sections: Bodie, pine in locations like the Buxton Woods. The Hatteras, and Ocracoke Islands and marsh grasses and the beach grasses used in dune National Wildlife Refuge. Pea Island formerly was stabilization interest many. separated from by . More than 300 species of birds have been re­ Eight villages are within the natural boundaries of corded in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Snow the park. They are excluded from the national sea­ geese winter here and on Pea Island National shore with room around them for expansion as Wildlife Refuge, as do Canada geese and all tourist centers. Congressional legislation restricts species of ducks of the North Carolina coast. development within the national seashore to those Large numbers of whistling swans spend the win­ parts especially suitable for recreational use and ter on the ponds. sets aside the remainder to preserve the plant and The waters around this national seashore provide animal life and the shoreline. a wide variety of sport and commercial fishing. With "fisherman's luck," which prevails here as PIONEERS, PIRATES, AND SEAMEN elsewhere, in season you can catch channel bass, In 1585, was the scene of the bluefish, marlin, dolphin, mackerel, tuna, and short-lived first English settlement in the New others. Congressional legislation protects the World, and in 1903, on the sand flat at the base right of local, commercial, net fishermen to pur­ of Kill Devil Hill, the Wright brothers made the sue their occupation from the park beaches. first successful flight in a powered airplane. These events, commemorated in National Park System FOR YOUR PROTECTION areas near the national seashore, are just part of When you cross the barrier dune to the sand the diverse history of this land off the North beaches, be sure to walk —never drive—across. Carolina coast. Park your car only in designated parking areas to In colonial times, Virginia and Maryland families avoid getting stuck in the soft sands of the road of British descent settled these isolated sand shoulder and general area. Ramps are provided banks. They were attracted by opportunities for only for vehicles properly equipped to drive on raising stock on the land, but many of them soon the soft sand. turned to the water for a living. Since then, the Camp only at designated campgrounds. Tent main elements of the Hatteras story have been campers should have long tent stakes for proper shipwrecks, pirates, lighthouses, the Life-Saving holding in sand. Awnings for shade and netting Service and its successor, the Coast Guard. for insect protection will make camping more Storms and vandals have carried away most of enjoyable. the remains of wrecked ships, but bits still re­ Strong lateral currents, rip tides, and shifting sand main partly buried in the sands or submerged make swimming particularly dangerous during in the water. Blackbeard, the most notorious of periods of heavy seas. Tidal currents are very the pirates on this coast, was killed near Ocracoke dangerous near inlets. Offshore winds can blow Island in 1718. The present Cape Hatteras Light­ air mattresses and other flotation devices out house, the third in the vicinity, was built in 1870, to sea. and is the only one open to the public. A few mod­ ern Coast Guard stations carry on the vigilance We urge you to swim only where lifeguards are on which saved many lives on this dangerous coast in duty. Swimming in the ocean is not like swimming past decades, including action in two World Wars. in a pool, river, or lake. If this is your first ocean visit, please contact a lifeguard or ranger for FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT further information. On this long strip of barrier islands, the sea, the Small boats should stay in the relatively calm water winds, and the land have contended for many of the sounds and avoid the inlets and ocean. human lifetimes, reshaping shore and landscape in a pattern of never-ending change. Lightweight clothing in summer should be ade­ quate to protect you from the sun and cool eve­ Recreational activities at the national seashore ning breezes. High humidity and northerly winds include beachcombing, surf bathing, boating, sail­ make winter weather seem much colder than ing, fishing, history and nature study, bird watch­ temperatures indicate. Warm, wind-resistant gar­ ing, attending interpretive programs in summer, ments are needed. Hurricanes occur infrequently, photography, watching the ocean surf, and simply usually in August or September: you should be loafing on the beach. warned in time to leave low-lying places. Wildflowers grow profusely in the humid climate Sensible precautions on your part will do much to and blossom over a long growing season. Other assure a most enjoyable visit to Cape Hatteras. ACCOMMODATIONS ADMINISTRATION Meals, lodging, groceries, camping supplies, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore is administered gasoline are available in the villages on Hatteras by the National Park Service. U.S. Department of and Ocracoke Islands, in the resorts just north of the Interior. A superintendent, whose address is the national seashore, and on Roanoke Island and Box 457. Manteo, NC 27954, is in immediate the adjacent mainland. Prices are lower after charge. September. As the Nation's principal conservation agency, A hard-surfaced road runs the length of the na­ the Department of the Interior has basic respon­ tional seashore, except at where a sibilities for water, fish, wildlife, mineral, land, free ferry, operating in daylight hours, connects park, and recreational resources. Indian and Ter­ Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. A toll ferry runs ritorial affairs are other major concerns of Ameri­ between Ocracoke and Cedar Island where a road ca's "Department of Natural Resources." The connects with the mainland. Schedules of both Department works to assure the wisest choice in ferries are subject to change, so inquire locally. managing all our resources so each will make its full contribution to a better United States—now and in the future.