Cape Hatteras holds the stories of shipwrecks, heroic rescues, and early American settlements come to life. If you’re a history buff with a love for exploring the past, Cape Hatteras is a treasure chest fully of places to explore. Ignite your imagination and expand your knowledge of the history of North Carolina by visiting these must-visit Cape Hatteras attractions for history buffs!
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Towering over the landscape at 198 feet, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of the region’s maritime history. It’s the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States and has long served as a guiding light for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Graveyard of the Atlantic since it was built in 1870. As you climb the 257 steps to the top, you can almost feel the weight of history with each step you take.
The museum at the base of the lighthouse offers a deep dive into the history of the lighthouse, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the tale of this remarkable structure’s role in safeguarding sailors over the centuries. Imagine yourself as the lighthouse keeper in the late 19th century, battling fierce storms to keep the light burning and save countless ships from disaster!
Frisco Native American Museum
This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Native American tribes who originally inhabited the area. The exhibits here span thousands of years of history, with cases of intricate beadwork, pottery, ancient tools and ceremonial artifacts.
As you explore the museum’s exhibits, you get to see the communities that thrived here long before European settlers arrived and imagine what their lives must have been like. Be sure to check out the nature trail that winds through the forest. You’ll gain a deeper understanding into the type of environment the Native Americans lived in.
Elizabethan Gardens
Stepping into the Elizabethan Gardens is like taking a step back in time to the 16th century, when Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colony made its ill-fated attempt to settle on Roanoke Island. The gardens were created as a tribute to these early English settlers, and today they give you a beautifully landscaped glimpse into the world they once knew. Colorful flowers, sculpted hedges, and historic statues fill the garden, evoking the elegance of Elizabethan England.
Strolling along the shaded pathways, you can think about the challenges faced by the colonists as they tried to carve out a new life in this unfamiliar land. Walk through the antique gates, sit by the fountains, and marvel at the stone structures, which add to the timeless atmosphere.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
The waters off Cape Hatteras are sadly known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” due to the many thousands of shipwrecks that have been caused in these waves. At the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, you can dive into the thrilling history of these shipwrecks, learn of pirates, and the various naval battles that have left their mark on this stretch of coastline. Check out the exhibits and artifacts like cannons, navigational instruments, and personal belongings from sailors.
As you walk through the exhibits, you can almost hear the creaking timbers and feel the spray of saltwater as you imagine the final moments of ships battling storms and hidden shoals. The museum also discusses the role the Outer Banks had during World War II, when German U-boats prowled the coast, leaving behind even more wrecks.
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site
Explore the precursor to today’s Coast Guard at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site. Learn about the brave men who risked their lives to rescue shipwrecked sailors along the Outer Banks. This station also includes several preserved buildings, including the original 1874 station house and the later 1911 building.
As you peruse the exhibits, picture the daring rescues carried out by the surfmen who faced roaring seas and raging storms to save lives. The exhibits feature original equipment used in rescues, like surfboats and breeches buoys. involved. Live reenactments and demonstrations also bring history to life, giving you a real time idea of the courage and skill that went into saving precious lives.
Stay in Comfort with Oceanfront Vacation Rentals
After a day of learning all about Cape Hatteras’ history, reflect and relax in the comfort of a vacation rental from Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging. Lighthouse View has a selection of beautifully maintained beachfront homes that can quickly become your coastal oasis. Create your own history while spending memorable moments in a vacation rental that has everything you need to enjoy yourself.
Staying in a vacation rental not only gives you the comforts of home but also keeps you close to all the historic sites and so much more. Plan your adventure today and make your history-filled getaway in Cape Hatteras unforgettable – with Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging!
