Page 182 - CCO17 Flip Book

AREA HISTORY 5
Explore the intriguing and fascinating history of eastern North Carolina.
Photo by Gary Hollar
Carteret County www.cravencounty.com
Located in the southeast corner of North Carolina, Carteret has 85 miles of shoreline and of its 1,341 square miles, 62% of that is water! Environmentally conscience, this county can lay claim to three nationally protected areas: Cape Lookout National Seashore, Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Croatan National Forest (partly in Craven County). Whether you want to indulge in a leisurely hike, kayak around their streams, rivers, marshes, or estuaries, fish in the inlet or ocean, or just enjoy the verdure of it’s beautiful landscape, this is the place for you.
Beaufort
www.beaufortnc.org
Established in 1709, Beaufort is the third oldest town in North Carolina and is also operates as the county seat in Carteret County. Recently voted “America’s Coolest Small Town,” it is situated just south of the center of the county.
While there are many historic places to visit (The Beaufort Historic House, The Jacob Henry House, Carteret County Home, just to name a few), Beaufort Inlet was also the landing place of the Queen Anne’s Revenge captained by none other than Blackbeard himself in 1718. Today Beaufort receives visitors for several of its annual events, including the Beaufort Music Festival, the BARTA Fishing Tournament, and the Beaufort Pirate Invasion. In addition, this little city can boast having 19 sister cities around the world.
Bogue Banks
Home to the modern day communities of Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Salter Path, and Emerald Isle, BB began its history as a series of small fishing villages along it’s 21 mile shoreline. Most of the natives homesteaded land on what is now Pine Knoll Shores. In 1826 land was surveyed for Fort Macon, which was completed around 1836. In the late 19th century, individuals of prominence discovered the beauty and potential of the moderate climate beaches and quickly purchased the land, all of which belonged to either Alice Green Hoffman or Henry Fort. Today it is the ultimate destination for beach goers, sport fisherman, and people who are fond of ocean views and clean, salt air.
Harkers Island
Harkers Island is rich in history and culture. It was first colonized by Farnifold Green in 1707 and eventually purchased by Ebenezer Harker for £400 and a boat. The population did not soar until after the Hurricane of 1899 when residents who lost their homes in the outer banks found a new residence here. HI was geographically positioned during the Civil War, but only served as a hiding place for provisions sought
by the British Troops. During WWII, it was on the frontlines watching German submarines sinking merchant shipping traffic. Conversion of the Outer Banks to a national state park marked the end of a lifestyle for Harker Island Residents in 1966. Today their economy is based principally on tourism. Interestingly enough due to a long history of isolation from the mainland, residents developed a distinct dialect of English, commonly referred to as High-Tider. This can be traced back to Elizabethan England and
is primarily used by Harkers Island and other Outer Banks islanders. So come for the history, the fishing, and experience a beautiful, old dialect!
Morehead City
www.morehead.com
Originally conceived as a deep-water port to relieve the pressure from the nearby city of Wilmington, Morehead City eventually became known as the “Summer Capital By The Sea.” Occupied primarily by fisherman who had relocated from the island
of Shackleford Banks, it became the center of the fishing industry that remained a vital part of the area’s economy until the late 19th century. Today the economy is based primarily on the tourism industry. Along with an abundance of activities in which to participate, it is also home to the headquarters of the Bald-Headed Men Of America which hosts the annual “Bald is Beautiful” Convention.
Photo.by.Gary.Hollar
2018
AREA HISTORY