Historic Happenings in the Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Graveyard of Ships is a haunting nickname, reminiscent of the not so distant past on Hatteras Island. The treacherous stretch of water gave rise to the need for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Designed with a distinctive black and white candy cane pattern, this is “not a happy lighthouse.” The tallest light house in the world, its light beams for twenty miles, warning ships to stay away. Today, visitors can experience the view of this lighthouse for themselves, as I did during a recent visit to the Outer Banks. We climbed to the top of the lighthouse, a great workout at 257 steps including the steps outside, stopping along the way to peer out the windows and learn the history of the lighthouse. This is the second lighthouse to be built and as the island shifted over time, the lighthouse moved closer to the ocean. In 1999, a massive project was taken to move the lighthouse 2900 feet inland. The lighthouse is generally open from around Easter until mid-October, but the view from the top is worth the climb!
Cape Hatteras Collage


Nearby stands the Bodie Island Light Station, with its distinctive black and white horizontal stripes.  This lighthouse is smaller, checking in at 156 feet with 214 steps.  Thanks to an extensive restoration project, visitors can once again climb to the top during the open season, usually beginning in April and ending mid-October.  This light house is the third in Bodie Island’s history, with the first two succumbing to the elements and the forces of the Civil War.  The third lighthouse was finally completed in 1871. Today the Keeper’s House is used as a Ranger’s Office and Visitors Center. Be sure to stop in and check out the display showing the 3000 ships that have been lost in the surrounding area.
Bodie Island Collage
Because of the massive amount of shipwrecks in the area, in an era before the Coast Guard, something had to be done to rescue the sailors. Thus, the early predecessor to the Coast Guard was born, Life Saving Stations. We stopped by the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station and were treated to a glimpse into the past.  The Life Saving Station was manned by experienced seamen, called Surfmen, who patrolled the shores for five miles in search of ships in distress.  To ensure the seamen completed their missions they were given a token to swap with another seaman whose border met their own.  The preferred method to rescue sailors involved shooting a hawser line to a stranded ship. Sailors were then loaded into a life car and hauled to shore one at a time.  While visiting the station, be sure to climb to the top of the station and check out the beautiful view. Be sure to watch your head as you climb as there are low lying rails.
Chicamacomico Collage
After our adventures through history, it was time for a walk on the beach at nearby Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1937 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife, this is a perfect place to view the natural wildlife, including over 350 bird species,  pick up shells or take a walk through the wetlands. I was surprised to find we were able to walk on the dunes, something I had never been allowed to do at a beach before! Although busiest during the summer months, the Refuge offers opportunities to explore year round.
Pea Island Collage

There’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing history brought to life and we found that and more at Roanoke Island Festival Park.  This 25 acre interactive park representing the first English settlement attempt in 1585.  Our guide, James, walked us through the reconstructed Native American village and the English Settlement. Along the way we were able to attempt to speak the Algonquin language, dig out a canoe, build a Native American lodge and be locked in the stocks.  The costumed workers have taken names from the original settlers and remain in character, answering questions and demonstrating skills used during the time period.   Our tour continued onto a replica of the Elizabeth II, a 16th century representative ship and the hands-on Roanoke Adventure Museum, a favorite among children.
Roanoke Island Collage

Have you visited the Outer Banks, North Carolina? What is your favorite activity?
Planning a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina?  It's full of history! Here are must visit historical sites your family will enjoy.

37 Comments

  1. Oh man, we’re paying a visit to Cape Hatteras this summer! I can’t wait! Why does July have to be so far away?! 🙂

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  4. I cannot wait to take the family to North Carolina someday! Those lighthouse pics are gorgeous!

  5. I’m fascinated by lighthouses and we’ve visited many on trips in recent years. I love your ‘collection’ here! Their history and different appearances. I’d love to do a lighthouse tour of the east coast, wouldn’t that be fun?

  6. I just Love Love lighthouses. This looks so interesting and I did not know all the history about it.

  7. That lighthouse looks amazing! My husband’s family is from South Carolina….but we’ve never visited North Carolina on our trips out there, this is totally going on my must visit list!

  8. I’ve seen this lighthouse, but never been in it. I’d like to someday!

  9. I have a friend who spends every summer in the OBX. I would love to go exploring there one day.

  10. I would love to visit the Outer Banks. I love light houses and old seaside towns. I would love to spend a night here and photograph everything. So Beautiful.

  11. We used to vacation regularly at Bald Head Island which is very close to the outer banks. So much care has been taken to develop and protect with care.

  12. I love lighthouses. We have a handful left here on the Michigan shorelines. They are quite a bit of fun to visit.

    • Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state. Some you can climb, others are in more remote places. All are unique. The coastal light houses in the mid Atlantic region are fantastic.

  13. Wow look at those photos. I would love to visit the Outer Banks. I’ve heard about it, but never really looked into. So lovely.

  14. I love it when bloggers take me to places I don’t normally get a chance to visit!
    I had no idea what north Carolina looked like but the beaches look spectacular!

  15. I love lighthouses! Every Time we travel, I try to find them to take pictures! Love all the information on the site!

  16. I’d love to see the lighthouse in person. I’ve never been inside of one, I bet it is cool.

  17. I enjoy visiting historical sites. This looks like a great place to see some good historical monuments!

  18. I have never been to a light house but I would love to visit one some time.

  19. We have been talking about visiting the Outer Banks someday. I love to go to lighthouses, too.

  20. I’ve never been. I’d like to go. I’d visit the light house.

  21. North Carolina is on my list of future spots to go to…so many things to do and see. Hope to go in the next year or two.

  22. Love those pics! I love lighthouses the most and the history behind them!

  23. I would love to take my kids to these places! Perfect homeschooling field trips!

  24. These photos look great! I spent a great deal of time with my family on the beaches of Maine. They are so relaxing though not so much in the winter. I may have to head south.

  25. It was so cool learning how strategically important those places were. The lighthouse was hard work but it was nice stopping at each landing.

  26. We’ve just driven through the Outer Banks and not stopped. This is great for our next trip!

  27. Lighthouses are so fun. There’s something magical and romantic about them. Would love to check these out some day.

  28. I have never been to North Carolina. This would be something to see. My mother-in-law loves stories that involve lighthouses, so I will be sure to share this with her.

  29. Helene Cohen Bludman

    I have been itching to visit the Outer Banks. So many people I know go there year after year and love it.

  30. The Outer Banks is such a gorgeous place. I’d love the chance to spend some time here with the family.

  31. Your pics are so beautiful! I would LOVE to see a lighthouse!

  32. I would love to visit the Outer Banks. I think lighthouses are so fascinating.

  33. I adore Lighthouses. There is something magical about walking around one and then climbing the stairs to get that spectacular view.

  34. I love lighthouses. We have a million of them around here, but they are small ones. I love that big black & white one.