When most travelers think of the Outer Banks, what usually come to their minds are sun-drenched beaches, fresh seafood and the legendary surf. However, under the sandy shores and waving sea oats grows a fascinating history that spans more than one thousand years—long before European ships appeared on the horizon. For those who look for more than just a beach vacation, exploring the Native American heritage of Hatteras Island gives a remarkable bond with the land and its people who were there first.
The Original Outer Bankers
Historians think Native Americans lived on the coast of North Carolina since 500 AD, despite some researchers proposing their existence even earlier. They were not only brief guests—they founded permanent, flourishing communities on the barrier islands and developed complex societies that lived remarkably harmonious life with their environment.
The present day titles we use today are the voices of their past. Hatteras Island itself is named after the Hatorask Tribe who used to live in the northern villages which now are known as Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo. Moving southward, Paquiwoc Tribe built their homes at what now is Avon, while Croatoan Tribe inhabited present Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village. Even Ocracoke's neighbor shares the same history with the Wokokon Tribe that lived there many centuries ago.
All these tribes are supposed to have spoken languages from the Algonquian dialect family and do not seem to have had problems communicating with each other. The archaeological studies that were carried out by Dr. David Phelps of East Carolina University in the 1990s seem to give an approximate early population of around 4,000 people – a figure that is strikingly close to the current island population.
A Life Shaped by Land and Sea
The people who originally inhabited the area developed a rich culture in this specific area that was perfectly suited to coastal barrier islands. They farmed using rotating agriculture, fished the rich waters, hunted game in the thick maritime forests, and gathered shellfish in quantities so great that archaeologists have used the massive shell middens that were left behind to make estimates of population sizes.
Resourcefulness was what their life revolved around. For instance, a simple cattail plant was used for many things: its primrose was used as soft stuff of bedding, the bottom of dry stalks provided fuel for fire, a gel from roots cured burns and scrapes and three different parts of the plant were eatable. Out of cypress trees, highly skilled craftsmen hollowed out solid dugouts capable of carrying many people across sound waters or even to float in a current at open sea.
People lived in houses made of materials that included woven mats which resembled those weaved from the cattail stems – structures indeed matched for the climate of the coastal region. Their culture also supported complex infrastructures like trading networks, craft and tool production and community governance which allowed them to thrive for ages.
Where History Comes Alive
There are many features of Hatteras Island's Native American heritage, and the most remarkable one is that despite the many changes over the years, visitors can still experience it. The Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center stands almost on the same spot where in July 1584 English explorers met the Native Americans for the first time.
Documents from that meeting in the past contain that interesting aspect of history. The English characterized the natives as “very handsome, goodly people” and observed that “in their behavior” they were just as mannerly and civil as any of Europe. It was also noted that both men and women had a similar way of dressing with the only difference being that women wore their hair long on both sides while men wore it long on only one side.
The museum itself breathes life into this ancient world. Visitors are greeted with a life-size figure copying the 400-year-old John White drawings—a tattooed warrior who has a bow with arrows slung over his shoulder. Deeper in the gallery an authentic dugout canoe discovered on the museum property is exhibited side by side with figures of an Algonquian woman and child. Long fishing spears lie across the canoe, providing a real representation of the skill and ingenuity possessed by these early fishermen.
The collection also features objects cleared by Hurricane Emily in 1993 and items found during other East Carolina University archaeological digs. Every item gives a bit of hint on a world that still intrigues scholars and visitors up to now.
Keeping Traditions Alive
At the museum, interactive educative devices include workshops, special programs, and volunteer opportunities which have been intentionally designed to ensure that ancient traditions are passed to generations. It is not just a place where the past lives in the glass cases – it 'lives', 'teaches' and inspires all around.
So, when you visit the Outer Banks, you may want to appreciate this heritage. The beach will always impress you with its beauty, however learning who came before us and walked those shores gives a trip an added dimension that will last longer than a suntan.
