How did Cape Hatteras get its name and nickname?

Cape Hatteras is a headland on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, United States. It is the easternmost point in North Carolina and the entire United States. The cape is located about 10 miles (16 km) south of Nags Head and 20 miles (32 km) east of Manteo.

Cape Hatteras was first discovered by European explorers in 1526. The cape was named by the Spanish explorer Lucas Vásquez de Ayllón after his ship, the Santa Maria de la Mar del Norte (Holy Mary of the North Sea). The name Hatteras is derived from the Native American word "Hatorask," which means "place where two winds meet."

Cape Hatteras is also known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the treacherous waters that surround it. The cape is located at the meeting of the Gulf Stream and the cold Labrador Current, which creates strong currents and high waves. Over 2,000 ships have been wrecked off Cape Hatteras, and many lives have been lost.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is one of the most famous landmarks on the Outer Banks. The lighthouse was first built in 1870, and it is now a National Historic Landmark. The lighthouse is 208 feet (63 m) tall and is visible for 20 miles (32 km) at sea.

Cape Hatteras is a popular tourist destination. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a protected area that includes the cape, the Outer Banks, and the Pamlico Sound. The National Seashore is a popular place for hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing.