The Barrier Island of Hatteras

Hatteras Village

At the the south tip of Hatteras Island lies Hatteras Village. For much of its life it was a fishing village, and the extensive docks easily seen from the highway, tell that story.

The village has a compact, town-like feel to it, with a small area that almost seems like a town square.

Navigating Hatteras Village

State Route 12 is the main road through Hatteras Village and almost all of the town’s businesses are located along the highway.

The north end of town is an open area with some motels, a condominium and homes. At the Hatteras Island Ocean Center the road begins to make a bend that creates a half circle crossing creeks and a marsh. The road ends at the Hatteras Ferry Docks. Eagle Pass Road cuts across the half circle. Eagle Pass Road has a camping ground and motel along its route, but no stores or restaurants.

The intersection of NC 12 and Kholer Road was at one time the town business center with a grocery store, Village Market Red and White, and other businesses.

A Little History

How Hatteras Got Its Name

Long before the first European settler set foot upon Hatteras Island, the Algonquin peoples lived in the area. Hatteras is from their language and its translation is descriptive. “There is less vegetation” is the translation.

Hatteras Inlet

Separating Hatteras Island from Ocracoke, Hatteras Inlet is a fickle stretch of water. Ferry routes between Hatteras and Ocracoke have to be adjusted almost annually to account for shifting channels.

There was an inlet south of Hatteras Village during colonial times, but it was so shallow no one used it. Sometime before the Revolution the inlet closed and remained closed until September of 1846 when a powerful tropical system reopened it. The storm also opened the Oregon Inlet on the north end of Hatteras Island.

Hatteras During the Civil War

With the opening of Hatteras Inlet, Hatteras Village became an important point of entry for shallow draft ships that could ply the waters of North Carolina’s sounds. When the Civil War erupted in 1861, the North and South understood the importance of controlling the inlet.

Confederate forces hastily constructed two forts. Fort Clark was on the north end of Ocracoke Island. Fort Hatteras was at the southern end of Hatteras Island.

Union forces quickly captured Fort Clark on August 28. They then began shelling Fort Hatteras.

Understaffed, poorly trained and with faulty ammunition, the southern commander, Commodore Barron had no choice, unconditionally surrendering on August 29.

Although there were very few casualties, the battle is important for a number of reasons. It created significant supply problems for the south, but perhaps just as important, after a string of defeats at the hands of Confederate forces, it was the first significant Union victory. It was also a the first joint naval and army operation of the war.

The Charter Boat Industry

Charter boats taking fishing hopefuls to the Gulf Stream hoping to land blue marlin, tuna or any number of sport fish, had its Outer Banks beginnings at Hatteras Village.

Ernal Foster had grown up in Hatteras Village and was earning a living as a plumber on Long Island when the Great Depression hit. After losing his job, had no choice but to return home to fishing.

There was a hunt club in the village at the time, and Ernal figured if the clientele liked guides for hunting, why not a guide who could take them to where fish were biting.

He bought some wood, designed a boat and had someone build it. He started booking charters in 1937.

That boat is Albatross I and is still working the waters of the Atlantic. Albatross II and III have joined Albatross I to form the Albatross fleet, still managed by Ernal’s son, Ernie.