Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ɪp hˈatəɹəz] (IPA) 
Cape Hatteras is a beautiful place on the coast of North Carolina. It is pronounced /keɪp ˈhætərəs/ and is spelled with a "C" at the beginning and a double "s" at the end. The "a" in Hatteras is pronounced with the short "a" sound, and the stress is on the second syllable. The spelling of this word is important because it helps people to accurately communicate about this location and find it on maps and in travel guides.
Cape Hatteras is a geographic feature and a well-known promontory that stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean, located along the outer banks of North Carolina, United States. It is recognized for its significant landmass jutting out into the sea and is a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque coastal landscapes and historical importance.
Cape Hatteras is also home to the eponymous Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which spans over 70 miles (110 kilometers) and encompasses the area from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island. This seashore features stunning beaches, sand dunes, maritime forests, and unique wildlife habitats. Its diverse ecosystem supports a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a favorable location for outdoor activities such as fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing.
Furthermore, Cape Hatteras holds great historical significance, particularly related to maritime activities and its storied lighthouse. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, constructed in 1870, stands as an iconic symbol of the area and is renowned as one of the tallest brick lighthouses in the United States. Its construction was a response to numerous shipwrecks that occurred around the treacherous Diamond Shoals, a submerged sandbar off the cape's coast. The lighthouse served as a crucial navigational aid, warning sailors of the hazardous conditions in the area.
Overall, Cape Hatteras is a notable geographic feature, coastal landscape, and historical landmark renowned for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich maritime heritage.
The word "Cape Hatteras" is derived from two different sources.
The term "cape" comes from the Old English word "cāp" or "cæppe", which means a head-covering or a cape-like garment. In this context, it refers to a headland or a piece of land jutting out into the sea or another body of water. It is commonly used to denote a point of land that extends into a larger body of water than a peninsula.
"Hatteras" is derived from the Algonquian Native American word "hattaras", which means "land of the hares". The Algonquian tribes were the indigenous people residing in the area now known as Cape Hatteras, a large sandbar located off the coast of North Carolina, USA. This name was given due to the abundance of hare or rabbit population in the region.
