Aycock Brown Visitors Center
Kitty Hawk
The center is called Outer Banks at a Glance and includes 17 state-of-the-art displays, a theater and brochure gazebo. Enjoy displays which combine computers, photography, video graphics, period music and sound effects, giving visitors an overview of the Outer Banks. outerbanks.org
Battle of Roanoke Island - Burnside Expedition
Roanoke Island
Civil War: Union bombardment of the forts located near here just before the infantry attacks that eventually overwhelmed the Confederates, who were outnumbered 4-1. nps.gov
British Cemetery
Ocracoke Island
Much activity took place off the shores of Ocracoke Island during World War II. In May of 1942, the H. M. S. Bedfordshire, one of the armed British trawlers on loan to the United States, sailed out of Morehead City, NC along with her sister escort, the H. M. S. Zeno and joined a convoy of merchant ships to escort them to safe anchorage at Hatteras, NC, some 60 miles away. Exactly what happened next is uncertain, but the last communication from the Bedfordshire was on May 11. It is thought that the Bedfordshire was torpedoed and sunk. On May 14, the bodies of two of her crew were spotted in the surf off Ocracoke Island. The bodies were subsequently identified as sublieutenant Thomas Cunningham, Royal Navy Reserve, and Ordinary Telegraphist Stanley Craig, Royal Navy. They were buried in a small plot of ground adjacent to Alice Wahab Williams family cemetery on Ocracoke. A week later, two more bodies were found, but not identified, and were lain to rest next to Cunningham and Craig. The small cemetery, its grounds kept beautifully landscaped and manicured by the U. S. Coast Guard, perpetually flies a British flag provided each year by the Queen of England. The cemetery is open to the public with no admission charge. This site is one of 10 historic sites on the Hyde County Talking Houses and Historic Places driving tour. These sites are equipped with am radio transmitters which you can tune to from the convenience of your car to learn the history of the area. British Cemetery
The Banker Ponies
Ocracoke Island
Legend has it that the ancestors of the ponies found on Ocracoke Island today came from shipwrecked vessels in the Graveyard of the Atlantic, or from Spanish explorers DeSoto or Cortez. Historians seem to think the ponies came with the Raleigh expeditions and were left on Roanoke Island. The current day ponies are fenced in and cared for by the National Park Service and can be seen grazing on the sparse grasses of the island. Ocracoke Island ponies
Corolla Schoolhouse
Corolla
Built 1890, there was no public school so the children of government employees went to the Government School whose teachers were paid by their parents. Currituck County Tourism
Corolla Post Office & General Store
Corolla
The orginial half of the building was built in 1884 and the north side addition was added in 1908. The building still contains the old post office boxes, the postmaster window, display boxes and the safe from its historic past. Currituck County Tourism
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Corolla
Currituck Beach Lighthouse, operated by Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. (OBC), under a lease agreement with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Division of Archives and History, preserves, maintains, and exhibits the 1875 Currituck Beach Lighthouse, its restored Keepers Quarters, and several dependencies for the enjoyment and education of the public. Exhibits interpret the construction, significance, and social history of this lighthouse. Collections including oral histories, institutional archives, photographs, and a variety of miscellaneous published and unpublished manuscripts are housed in the corporate offices of the OBC and at the Outer Banks History Center, both at Festival Park in Manteo. First illuminated on Dec. 1, 1875. Over 1,000,000 red bricks were used to build this lighthouse. Visitors can climb the 214 steps to get a breathtaking view of the ocean and sound. Open 10 to 6 daily, April thru October. Admission is $5.00 for all people 8 years and older. currituckbeachlight.com
Corolla Chapel
Corolla
The chapel was built in 1885 and served the Community until 1958. It was not used again until 1987 when a new congregation was established. In 2002 a large addition was built to accommodate the growing attendance. The interior of the new addition was built to resemble the style of the original section, even replica pews were installed. Many visitors come to see the pelican altar window and hear its story. The Corolla Chapel is also a popular wedding site. Currituck County Tourism
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Ocracoke Visitor Center
Ocracoke Island
The Ocracoke Visitor Center seeks to educate visitors about the cultural heritage and natural history of the island. Exhibits focus on the Life Saving Station, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, pirate activity there, Ocracoke's role in the Civil War and in World War II, its British Cemetery, the native horses and other wildlife, and early tourism. nps.gov
Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station
Rodanthe
Chicamacomico Life Saving Station Historic Site preserves and interprets the oldest life saving station in North Carolina. With its original 1874 station, an original 1874 outbuilding, a larger 1911 station, and four other dependencies of various ages original to the site, Chicamacomico Life Saving Station is the most complete extant life saving station in the country. The site provides guided tours, collects and exhibits historical artifacts, and offers a variety of educational programs, lectures, and activities. Located on Hwy. 12. First U.S. Lifesaving Station in North Carolina built and manned in 1874. Original station was converted into a boathouse when a newer station was constructed in 1911; now restored to original structure. The historic seven-building site, with exhibits and displays, including one honoring the African Americans that manned the Pea Island Lifesaving Station, is open mid-April - November. Variety of programs offered during summer months. Call for schedule. Admission charged. chicamacomico.net
The Chicamacomico Races
Rodanthe
Civil War: a Confederate attempt to retake the Hatteras forts in early October 1861. The Southerners chased a Federal detachment southward from here, then were chased by Union reinforcements. Hatteras/history/
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Outer Banks
Stretched over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural resources and provides a wide variety of recreational and research opportunities relating to the cultural history and natural heritage of the Outer Banks, shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. Main offices and research facilities for Fort Raleigh, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse are located at the Fort Raleigh facility. Preserves and protects 75 miles along North Carolina's Outer Banks. National park includes Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and visitors centers at Buxton (year-round), Bodie Island and Ocracoke (seasonal). Free. Fee for camping. Cape Hatteras National Seashore recreation.gov
Elizabethan Gardens
Manteo
A living memorial garden to the English colonists who came to America in 1584-1587. Designed by the renowned firm of Innocenti and Webel, it contains elements of 16th-century statuary, indigenous plants and herbs. Elizabethan Gardens
Elizabeth II
Manteo
Cross a narrow gang-plank and experience 16th century shipboard life in motion. A 69 foot sailing vessel, representative of those sailed to the New World in 1585, awaits your discovery at Roanoke Island Festival Park. See Roanoke Island Festival Park for additional information. Roanoke Island Festival Park
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Manteo
A begining chapter in the story of America is kept on the north end of Roanoke Island at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the place of England's first colonization efforts. Sir Walter Raleigh's explorers and colonists established settlements in this area in 1585 and 1587. The site is home to the nation's longest running outdoor symphonic drama The Lost Colony, staged during the summer at the park's Waterside Theatre. Also within the site is The Elizabeth Gardens, a year-round living memorial to England's first colonists. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site "> recreation.gov
Freedmen's Colony / Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Manteo
The Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony is recognized as a historic National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. A marker was erected in 2001 to designate the site of a permanent colony on Roanoke Island between 1862 and 1867. Most of its 3,000 residents had been slaves three years earlier in northeastern North Carolina. Today, there is a path through the woods north of Fort Raleigh that leads visitors to a commemorative park along Croatan Sound. ## Civil War: Freedmen's Colony set up after Union forces captured the island. Slaves escaping the mainland flocked to the protection of the Federal army. A formal colony was established in May 1863. Several units of Union troops were raised from the colony. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site coastalguide.com/packet/freedmanscolony roanokefreedmenscolony.com
Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center
Frisco
The Frisco Native American Museum seeks to increase understanding and appreciation of Native Americans from pre-history to the present through exhibits, programs, outreach activities, and special events. Collections include representative samples from a broad range of North American cultures and include one of the most significant collections of photographs and research on the Chirichiua Apache, the tribe of Geronimo, in the world. Efforts are made to encourage preservation of native artifacts through involvement in local archaeological digs. Natural history exhibits, trails, and classroom space are available to the public for educational programming. ## Features a nationally recognized collection of Native American artifacts and exhibits. Natural History Center includes educational displays, special films, live exhibits and a nature trail winding through beautiful maritime forest. Trail for visually-impaired persons nativeamericanmuseum.org
The Fanny
Salvo
Civil War: the capture by the Confederates of a Union supply ship, Fanny, Oct 1, 1861. Hatteras/history/
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Hatteras Village
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a public, non-profit, educational institution dedicated to the preservation, advancement, and presentation of maritime history and shipwrecks of the North Carolina Outer banks from the earliest periods of exploration, through colonization, to the present day with particular emphasis on the periods from 1524 to 1945. The museum preserves, researches, exhibits, and interprets its collections of artifacts and other items for the benefit of the general public and specialized audiences. The museum seeks to inspire appreciation, encourage discovery, and promote an active, responsible understanding of the maritime heritage of the Outer Banks in relation to local history, US history, and the broader history of seafaring. ## A unique museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich maritime history of the Outer Banks and the 1,000 known shipwrecks that rest off this coast. Interior construction continues behind the scenes while a section of the Museum is open and a portion of its collections is on display. These include artifacts from diverse sources: The Huron, the Cibao, the captain's desk and ship's bell from the ghostship, the Carroll A. Deering , the wheel from the John Duke , assorted beach ''finds and salvaged cargo, medals from the King of Norway and special exhibit of General Billy Mitchell on Hatteras Island. ## Civil War: describe the Civil War events at or near the site including the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark in 1861, the sinking of the USS Monitor in 1862 and other wartime shipwrecks in the area graveyardoftheatlantic.com
The Lost Colony
Manteo
Waterside Theater has been the home of Paul Green's THE LOST COLONY since its inception in 1937. As the oldest outdoor symphonic dramas in America, THE LOST COLONY portrays the fascinating story of 117 men, women and children as they attempt to make a new home in an untamed land, then disappear without a trace. THE LOST COLONY has remained one of history's greatest mysteries for more than 400 years. Director Drew Scott Harris has woven Paul Green's dream into a tapestry of Elizabethan England and the world the colonists found on Roanoke Island. The classic love story - transcending English social boundaries - is at the center of Paul Green's American epic. Clashes with Indians, overcoming adversity, and the ability to still find humor in everyday life keep audiences - young and old - captivated. Lost Colony
North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island
Manteo
The North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island, located in the historic George Washington Creef Boathouse is a working boat shop where volunteers and staff take on projects including small craft restoration, exhibit design, and new boat construction. The shop has restored several traditional sailing watercraft that, in season, grace the waters of Shallowbag Bay in front of the museum. The Boathouse namesake, George Washington Creef, was a local builder who developed a unique style of workboat called a Shad boat for the surrounding waters of the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. The Shad boat is designated as the State Boat of North Carolina. The museum exhibits a number of small watercraft representing the region's maritime history - an 1883 Creef Shad boat, spritsail skiffs, and a 1948 Davis Runabout - and offers a variety of educational programs. NCDCR
Outer Banks History Center
Manteo
Outer Banks historian and businessman David Stick donated his personal library, an extensive private collection of North Carolina to the NC Department of Cultural Resources. Utilizing this core collection, the department built a unique, regional research facility in Manteo—the Outer Banks History Center. ## In July 1986 Outer Banks historian and businessman David Stick donated his personal library, an extensive private collection of North Caroliniana, to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. Utilizing this core collection, the department built a unique, regional research facility in Manteo-the Outer Banks History Center or OBHC. Although the holdings of the OBHC are a preeminent source of information about the Outer Banks, they also address many historical, cultural, economic, governmental, and scientific topics pertaining to North Carolina and to neighboring states. NCDCR (1) NCDCR (2)
Outer Banks Center for Wildllife Education
Corolla
Life by Water's Rhythms , is the theme of this educational facility dedicated to exploring coastal North Carolina s wildlife, natural history and cultural heritage. Located in Corolla,at Currituck Heritage Park between the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club. The center offers both indoor and outdoor classes and attractions. Admission and all classes are free. Registration is required. Outer Banks Center for Wildllife Education (also see NCWildlife main site)
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum - Historic Ocracoke
Ocracoke Island
Many threads of history have been woven together into the fabric of life of this small barrier island community. Over 200 homes and buildings make up the historic district and have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, built in 1823, is the oldest continuously operating light on the eastern seaboard. The Union Jack proudly flies over the British Cemetery where sailors from World War II rest in peace. Native islanders speak in what is called the Ocracoke brogue, a rich dialect derived from the early Scots-Irish settlers who colonized much of the Eastern seaboard during the 18th century. Their unique speech is only part of the magic of this special island. With the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum as your starting point, whether you stroll down a sandy, tree-shaded lane, relax on an isolated bit of beach, or visit one of many fine shops or restaurants your experience will be memorial. Historic Ocracoke is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. ## The Ocracoke Preservation Society rescued a 100 year-old house which was threatened by new construction in the area. Ocracoke author and historian Ellen Fulcher Cloud worked with the developers, the National Park Service, and a legion of local volunteers to relocate and restore the two-story structure built by David Williams, the first keeper of the Ocracoke lifesaving Station. The building now houses the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum and The Museum Store, offering visitors a glimpse of what life was like in earlier times through displays, artifacts, and historic photographs. The Preservation Society offices, the museum and the Museum Store are open to the public from Easter to Thanksgiving, and by appointment during the remaining portion of the year. ## The Ocracoke Preservation Society is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to the preservation of Ocracoke Island's rich historical, cultural, and environmental heritage. The David Williams House was built around the year 1900. Its first occupant David Williams was the first captain of the Coast Guard Life-Saving Station of Ocracoke. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, it was moved to its present location on National Park Service property to prevent its demolition and was subsequently restored. The ground floor rooms have been converted to a museum. The second floor contains a research library and administrative offices. In midsummer, talks about local historic subjects are given on the back porch. ocracokemuseum.org
Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Ocracoke Island
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is one of 44 Scenic Byways that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has designated to give visitors and residents a chance to experience a bit of North Carolina history, geography and culture while raising awareness for the protection and preservation of these treasures. From Whalebone Junction on the Outer Banks of NC, this 111 miles byway travels south along North Carolina Highway 12, on bridges and ferries across several inlets, and ending in Beaufort, NC. The Hyde County portion of this byway begins as you board the free ferry on Hatteras Island and ends on Ocracoke Island as you board a toll ferry to Cedar Island. The crossing time for the Hatteras Inlet to Ocracoke Island is about 35 minutes. The present Hatteras Inlet opened in 1846. Notice the wild horses while following North Carolina Highway 12 for 13 miles along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore across Ocracoke Island to the village of Ocracoke. The animals are Banker Ponies, descendants of horses brought by early explorers on ships wrecked in the Atlantic. A herd also is maintained on the islands south of Beaufort. Ocracoke was first called Wococon in the 1500s (when it was an Indian village) and has since gone through a series of names derived from the Algonquian for ''enclosed place.'' One of the oldest operating lighthouses on the Atlantic is located on Silver Lake, a tidal basin and harbor in the village of Ocracoke. The 75-foot tall Ocracoke Island Lighthouse was built in 1823 and is the only operational lighthouse within a town. The Ocracoke Inlet, once North Carolina's primary trade inlet, was the site of the death of the notorious pirate, Blackbeard, who was killed on November 22, 1718. From Ocracoke Inlet, the Cedar Island ferry to Carteret County is a 2.5 hour ride to continue the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, or travel the Alligator River or Pamlico Scenic Byways by taking the toll ferry to Swan Quarter. Hyde County
Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions
Ocracoke Island
Come and explore the uninhabited Portsmouth Village and discover a remote, pristine beach and its fascinating seashore creatures. Excursions begin with a twenty-minute boat ride from beautiful Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village. Once on the island you will discover the historic deserted village of Portsmouth. This settlement was once a thriving port town, established in 1753, with over 685 residents in 1860. It is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historical buildings open for you to see include the U. S. Life Saving Station, Schoolhouse, Post Office/General Store, Church, and visitor center. Then, its off to a beautiful, remote beach where you can discover excellent shorebird and dolphin watching, sea turtle tracks, and other fascinating creatures. Or, you can take a swim and enjoy the best shelling on the Outer Banks. The ATVs are shared (two people per ATV). Drivers must be at least 16. Children must be 6 years of age to take the tour. We provide the ATVs for the tour and do not take personal ATVs. portsmouthislandatvs.com
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Manteo
Homeport of Elizabeth II, a 16th century representative sailing vessel. Experience a working Settlement Site, Adventure Museum with 400 years of Outer Banks history, Art Gallery, Museum Store, performing arts, summer children's series and boardwalks through natural marshes. ## Roanoke Island Fesitival Park, a 27-acre North Carolina State Site and cultural center, is a celebration of history, education and the arts. Step aboard the Elizabeth II, a representative 16th century sailing vessel with garbed interpreters. Visit with soldiers in the newly expanded Settlement Site. The Roanoke Adventure Museum explores 400 years of Outer Bank history. Learn how the arrival of the English Colonists changed the lives of the Native American inhabitants forever by watching the 50 minute docudrama, The Legend of Two-Path. View a new artist each month in The Art Gallery. Visit the Museum Store, which is overflowing with unique gifts inspired by the English whose first attempts at colonization in the New World were on Roanoke Island. During the summer months, experience the "illuminations" Performing Arts Series that is presented by students for the North Carolina School of the Arts. Top quality children's performances are offered in the indoor Film Theatre. Stroll our boardwalks, through natural marshes, and get up close to nature and observe its hidden pristine beauty and quiet surroundings. The North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island, just a block away, features a working boathouse and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. The screw-pile light is a reproduction of one that stood near the site. A permanent display is provided on the history of the light. ## Civil War: museum includes a very good Civil War display with maps, artifacts and some interesting stories about the February 1862 battle for the island and other war-time events in the area. Roanoke Island Festival Park
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
Manteo
The lighthouse contains exhibits highlighting Roanoke Island's maritime heritage, including a history of the Marshes Lighthouse and its keepers. The original screw-pile lighthouse was located in Croatan Sound on the west side of Roanoke Island. Built in 1877, it was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard in 1955. outerbanks.org
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Kill Devil Hills
Site of the world's first controlled powered flights by the Wright Brothers on December 17, 1903. Museum exhibits, reproduction of the 1903 airplane and 1902 glider. Monument to the Wright Brothers, reproduction of living quarters and hangar. First flight grounds. Wright Brothers National Memorial recreation.gov
Whalehead Club Currituck County Museum
Corolla
The Whalehead Club, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, was the private residence of Mr. & Mrs. E.C. Knight, Jr. of Philadelphia. Originally named Corolla Island, the Knight's built this substantial house between the years 1922 and 1925 as an exclusive hunting lodge and winter home. Art nouveau architecture, mahogany woodwork, Tiffany lighting fixtures, corduroy walls and cork flooring contribute to its unique style. The 21,000 square foot structure houses the first basement and elevator on the Outer Banks. The grounds also had the first swimming pool. Restorations of the home and dependencies made possible by the Whalehead Preservation Trust pave the way for the future of this site as home to the Currituck County Museum and Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. The Whalehead Club presently displays some history exhibits and is open to the public for tours while restorations continue and the Education Center is built. ## Built in the 1920s, this restored hunt club is known as the ''Crown Jewel of the Outer Banks.'' On 28.5 acres, the first home on the Outer Banks to have an elevator, swimming pool, and basement. Open for tours daily May through October. Admission is $6.00 for those 8 and older. Listed on the national Register of Historic Places. Whalehead Club
