This study is a narrative history about the creation and establishment of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the major characters involved, and the key decisions they made.4 It follows a straightforward historical methodology. Park documents likely to provide factual information or to shed light on important events have been reviewed and presented in a chronological fashion. Where appropriate, the chronology is subdivided by topic as represented by various chapter and section headings. This method makes the document both easier to read and to reference. Major sources of information include park annual reports, official NPS correspondence relating to the park, newspaper clippings, and oral history interviews. Various NPS studies and publications are also used. All sources are carefully cited by notes. Where bias is obvious or points of view differ, sources are weighed against each other. The author's intent is to minimize speculation and to let the record speak for itself, although inferences and conclusions are stated where appropriate.