already lived there and had had a strong relationship with the natives, some of whom had visited England. John White, who made maps showing both Croatoan and Roanoke, wrote in 1590: White had instructed them that if anything happened to them, they should carve a Maltese cross on a tree nearby, indicating that their disappearance had been forced. As there was no cross, White took this to mean they had moved to "Croatoan Island" (now known as Hatteras Island). Upon finding the message of CROATOAN carved on the palisade, White also wrote: However, he was unable to conduct a search, as a massive storm was brewing and his men refused to go any further. The next day, they instead left the area without looking further for the colonists. Communities While there are no incorporated places on Hatteras, there are several resort communities along the length of the island. From north to south these are: Chicamacomico is the older name for a contiguous settlement now divided into three villages. Together, they form what is known as the "tri-villages": Rodanthe Waves Salvo Avon, formerly named Kinnakeet Buxton, the largest community by population on Hatteras Island, home to the Cape Hatteras Light as well as the elementary and secondary school that serves all residents of the island Frisco, location of the largest paved airstrip on the Island at Billy Mitchell Airport. Hatteras Village, terminus of the ferry to Ocracoke Island. Law enforcement As there are no incorporated places on Hatteras, the island is patrolled primarily by the Dare County Sheriff's Office for general law enforcement, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol for traffic enforcement. Additionally, special subject matter law enforcement is conducted by the North Carolina Wildlife Enforcement and the North Carolina Marine Patrol. On federal lands, patrols are also conducted by the US National Park Service the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Marine Patrol, along with US Coast Guard. The Island has one Coast Guard station. The Station is located adjacent to the ferry terminal. The station has two 47 foot Motor Lifeboats and other small craft. Additionally, the Island has a small rescue squad that helps rescue people from the water, and help with marine safety. The rescues squad headquarters are in Buxton, North Carolina Accessibility For many years, the only ways to reach Hatteras Island was by ferry and footpath. In November 1963, the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge