Fort Raleigh

Historical Fort Raleigh

Once upon a time, before there ever was a national seashore here, the "Hatteras Sandbanks" was an unassuming place where people for years lived simple lives with simple means. However, there is a treasure in almost every house telling the golden tale of courage. From Cape Henry to Cape Lookout more congressional medals of honor for lifesaving were issued from 1884 - 1918 than in the rest of the country combined. Eight of the first twelve were awarded in a single rescue 500 yards from the Hatteras Realty office. These medals today are in closets, dressers and foot lockers not displayed for public praise but captured in the hearts and spirits of the people of Hatteras Island and their ancestors. These were the brave and gallant men of the US Lifesaving Service, the forerunner of today's Coast Guard. Their bravery inspired us all and shows us what the human effort is truly capable of.

The majesty and the magnificence of these great men live on today on Hatteras Island. These men were not anymore smarter or stronger than us, they practiced every day all year long for just such an occasion - they were so practiced and drilled that they knew exactly what to do to save lives in stormy seas. Journey to the Cape Hatteras and see the places where we rose beyond ourselves, where sacrifices were commonplace, and the belief that courage extends beyond the limits of human strength and endurance all in the name of duty. Walk these beaches where the surfmen walked. The bones of the ships they rescued still extend from the sands in silent testimony of past glory. Be inspired here by brave men and women just like us. As you walk the beaches and see the waves crashing upon the shore, know that you walk on hallowed ground.

The seashore today is much the same as it was when surfmen walked the beaches in the business of savings lives. You'll feel the same salt spray and cool ocean breezes the surfmen felt. Seventy-two miles of unspoiled and uncluttered sand and wind and tide plead to you to come and rescue them. Make your Hatteras vacation your rescue from uninspired vacations. Almost the entire island is US National Park and will be preserved for generations to come. Journey here to experience the beauty and the inspiration that drove these men to our nation's highest honor. The peace of mind you save may be your own. Join Hatteras Realty in a celebration of the past and of the promise of the future.

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