In my first five days at Cape Hatteras National Seashore as a Fish and Feathers intern, I became immersed in the deep history and culture of the islands. Within four days, I was able to visit all 70 miles of the barrier islands, having to catch a ferry at times to even get to remote locations.

Established in 1953 and dedicated in 1958, Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore recognized by the United States Congress. The seashore is home to a rich history before the 14th century. The Lost Colony of Roanoke, located at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo, N.C., holds the record of the first attempt at a permanent settlement in America by European Settlers. Orville and Wilbur Wright conducted the first successful airplane flight in Kitty Hawk, N.C. Cape Hatteras is home to three different lighthouses on Bodie Island, Buxton, and Ocracoke Island. The lighthouse in Buxton, dubbed the “Cape Hatteras Lighthouse,” is the tallest brick lighthouse constructed in America. Today, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has over 3.2 million visitors a year looking to enjoy the history and the long coastline of beaches.