Hatteras Island Weather Bureau Station

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On July 11, 1901, Secretary James Wilson, U.S. Department of Agriculture, requested proposals for the erection a two-story cellar frame and brick building for the Weather Bureau at Hatteras, NC. The cost was $5,194 to build the station and the purchase cost of the land was $110.35.

The design included a prefab structure that was delivered by railroad and steamship to Hatteras Island. Located at the intersection known today as Kohler and Saxton Cut streets, the original building was a wood frame structure on masonry piling. The first floor had seven rooms including a living room, dining room, kitchen, store pantry, and three bedrooms for the weather observer and family. The second floor had a large observation room/office with a ship’s ladder leading to a walk on the roof. Porches extended across the front and west side.

Other structures included two wooden storage outbuildings with gable roofs with cedar-shingles. On-site were a cistern, a metal signal tower for displaying weather flags, and a privy. The Weather Bureau operated there from 1902 until 1946.

Since being restored to its 1901 appearance, the station has operated as a welcome center by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau through a partnership agreement with the National Park Service.

Hatteras Island
updated 05/2011 by Down East Ocracoke Hatteras North Carolina