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113-666: The Outer Banks were sites of early European settlement in the United States and remain important economic and cultural sites. Most notably the English Roanoke Colony vanished from Roanoke Island in 1587 and was the first location where an English person, Virginia Dare , was born in the Americas. The hundreds of shipwrecks along the Outer Banks have given the surrounding seas the nickname Graveyard of

226-409: A shoal , ruining most of the food supplies and nearly destroying the ship. There are indications that Grenville's fleet was supposed to spend the winter with the new colony, perhaps to immediately begin using it as a privateering base. The wreck of Tiger , however, made that impossible. The remaining provisions could not support a settlement as large as had been planned. Moreover, the shallow inlets of

339-402: A 4 on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the safest. In October 1990, a dredge collided with the bridge during a storm, causing severe damage to several of the spans. While isolated, Hatteras Island could only be accessed by boat or plane for many weeks while emergency construction was underway to replace its only highway link to the mainland. The Federal Highway Administration approved

452-601: A breach created during violent storms, and older inlets close, usually due to gradually shifting sands during the dynamic processes of beach evolution . The Outer Banks stretch southward from Sandbridge in Virginia Beach down the North Carolina coastline. Sources differ regarding the southern terminus of the Outer Banks. The most extensive definition includes the state's three prominent capes: Cape Hatteras , Cape Lookout , and Cape Fear. Other sources limit

565-644: A charter to Sir Humphrey Gilbert to explore and colonize territories "unclaimed by Christian kingdoms". Gilbert had helped to crush the first of the Desmond Rebellions in Ireland's Munster province in the early 1570s. The terms of the charter granted by the Queen were vague, although Gilbert understood it to give him rights to all territory in the New World north of Spanish Florida . Led by Gilbert,

678-544: A constant problem. The Bonner Bridge cost $ 4   million to build and moved up to 14,000 cars a day in both directions. Of that amount, the state of North Carolina paid $ 1.5   million, and the federal government paid $ 2.5   million. The arrangement for a portion of the state's cost to be paid by the National Park Service was arranged by Rep. Herbert C. Bonner, for whom the bridge is named. The bridge also made it possible to provide electric power to

791-486: A dedicated dredge, Miss Katie , to focus on keeping Oregon Inlet navigable. The Coast Guard station at Oregon Inlet is currently located at its fourth site since it began as a lifesaving station in 1883. It was one of 29 lifesaving stations Congress approved and appropriated funds for a decade earlier. By 1888, the Oregon Inlet Station had to be relocated to a new site. It is assumed that this relocation

904-586: A detailed plan in which his forces would divide into two groups – one traveling north up the Chowan River, the other along the Atlantic coast—to resettle at Chesapeake Bay. However, he decided to defer this mission until the colony received fresh supplies, which Grenville had promised would arrive by Easter. In the meantime, Lane ransomed Menatonon and had Skiko sent back to Roanoke as a hostage. He proceeded with forty men for about 100 miles (160 km) up

1017-670: A fort on the north side of the island. There are no surviving renderings of the Roanoke fort, but it was likely similar in structure to the one at Mosquetal. Grenville set sail for England aboard the Tiger on August 25, 1585. Days later, in Bermuda , Grenville raided a large Spanish galleon , the Santa Maria de San Vicente , which had become separated from the rest of its fleet. The merchant ship, which Grenville took back to England as

1130-572: A modernization program in 1933–34, the Oregon Inlet Station was extensively modified to look very much like it does today. In 1979, a new extension was added. By 1988, the station was completely abandoned when the southward migration of the Oregon Inlet threatened to swallow it. In July 1990, a ceremonial ground breaking was held for a new $ 3.5   million building, located just behind the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, on

1243-527: A new bridge as soon as possible." Until it was safe to reopen, The NCDOT Ferry Division provided emergency support to move cars and trucks across the Pamlico Sound between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point . After sand was dredged to support some of its pilings, the bridge reopened to traffic on December 15, 2013. On December 16, 2015, crews from Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative began moving underground electric cables, which were subsequently attached to

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1356-520: A prize, was loaded with enough treasure to make the entire Roanoke expedition profitable, spurring excitement in Queen Elizabeth's court about Raleigh's colonisation efforts. The Roebuck left Roanoke on September 8, 1585, leaving behind one of the pinnaces under the command of Amadas. Records indicate that 107 men remained with Lane at the colony. However, historians disagree as to whether White returned to England with Grenville, or spent

1469-417: A problem for the fishing industry, recreational boating, and other maritime interests for decades. Since 1950, when Congress first authorized the dredging of the inlet, the channel has been shallower than planned most of the time and was sometimes closed altogether. In addition to the economic harm caused to the maritime community, several ships and lives have been lost. In 2022, Dare County contracted for

1582-464: A second wave of colonists and supplies. However, Grenville could not know that this expedition had been redirected to Newfoundland, to alert fishing fleets that the Spanish had begun seizing English commercial vessels in retaliation for attacks by English privateers. Until a resupply mission could be arranged, Lane's colony would be heavily dependent on the generosity of the natives. While the Tiger

1695-545: A semi-regular emergency ferry often runs from Stumpy Point to Rodanthe to serve travelers due to frequent wash-outs of NC 12 between Nags Head and Rodanthe. Additionally, private ferries are commissioned by the National Park Service to access certain islands within the National Seashores along the outer banks, these include ferries to Portsmouth Island , to Cape Lookout Lighthouse , and various locations along Core Banks and Shackleford Banks . The vegetation of

1808-399: A ship ahead; the unsuspecting captain would then drive his ship ashore following this false light. Ocracoke was the last refuge of pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard . It is also where the infamous pirate was killed November 22, 1718, in a fierce battle with troops from Virginia. Major industries of the region include commercial fishing , boat building and tourism . Since

1921-487: Is an inlet along North Carolina 's Outer Banks . It joins the Pamlico Sound with the Atlantic Ocean and separates Bodie Island from Pea Island , which are connected by the 2.8-mile (4.5 km) Marc Basnight Bridge that spans the inlet. As one of the few access points to the ocean along this stretch of coast, Oregon Inlet is a major departure point for charter fishing trips, with a nearby harbor serving as

2034-515: Is frequently abbreviated OBX on regional tourism marketing. In recent decades, the beaches to the south of Cape Lookout have been marketing themselves as the "Southern Outer Banks", including the marketing as SOBX; this region includes the Crystal Coast beaches of Bogue Banks . The term Inner Banks and IBX is a similarly new term to refer to the mainland communities along Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. A tall ridge of sand dunes that survived

2147-535: Is no record of them arriving in England with the fleet, and it is possible Drake left them on Roanoke with some of the goods he had previously set aside for Lane. Drake's fleet, along with Lane's colonists, reached England in July ;1586. Upon arrival, the colonists introduced tobacco , maize , and potatoes to England. A single supply ship, sent by Raleigh, arrived at Roanoke just days after Drake evacuated

2260-526: Is now a peninsula due to tropical storms and hurricanes that closed inlets that separated it from the Currituck Banks), Pea Island (which has, at times, been contiguous with neighboring Bodie Island or Hatteras Island), Hatteras Island , Ocracoke Island , Portsmouth Island , and the Core Banks . Over time, the exact number of islands and inlets changes as new inlets are opened up, often during

2373-615: Is separated by the Currituck Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway , which passes through the Great Dismal Swamp occupying much of the mainland west of the Outer Banks. Road access to the northern Outer Banks is cut off between Sandbridge and Corolla, North Carolina , with communities such as Carova Beach accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. North Carolina State Highway 12 links most of

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2486-577: Is still consumed. The islands are home to herds of feral horses, sometimes called " banker ponies ", which according to local legend are descended from Spanish mustangs washed ashore centuries ago in shipwrecks. Populations are found on Ocracoke Island, Shackleford Banks, Currituck Banks, and in the Rachel Carson Estuarine Sanctuary. The Outer Banks have a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ). They have unusual weather patterns because of their unique geographical location. As

2599-533: The Bay of Biscay . A severe storm off the coast of Portugal separated Tiger from the rest of the fleet and sank one of the pinnaces. Fortunately, Fernandes had a plan for such an occurrence, wherein the ships would meet up at Mosquetal, on the south coast of Puerto Rico . Proceeding alone, Tiger made good speed for the Caribbean , arriving at the rendezvous point on May 11, ahead of the other ships. While awaiting

2712-503: The Francis . However, a hurricane hit the Outer Banks, sweeping the Francis out to sea. After the storm, Lane persuaded his men to evacuate the colony, and Drake agreed to take them back to England. Manteo and an associate, Towaye, joined them. Three of Lane's colonists were left behind and never heard from again. Because the colony was abandoned, it is unclear what became of the slaves and refugees Drake had meant to place there. There

2825-691: The Jamestown colonists produced reports that the Roanoke settlers had been massacred, and there were stories of people with European features being seen in Native American villages, but no conclusive evidence was found. Interest in the matter fell until 1834, when George Bancroft published his account in A History of the United States . Bancroft's description of the colonists, particularly White's infant granddaughter Virginia Dare , cast them as foundational figures in American culture and captured

2938-668: The Powhatan ), warning that Lane should bring a considerable force if he sought to make contact. Menatonon also corroborated rumors Lane had heard about a sea just beyond the head of the Roanoke River , apparently confirming English hopes of finding access to the Pacific Ocean. The chief's son Skiko described a place to the west called "Chaunis Temoatan" rich in a valuable metal, which Lane thought could be copper or perhaps even gold. Based on this information, Lane envisioned

3051-535: The West Indies , where they collected fresh water. The two ships then sailed north until July 4, when they sighted land at what is now called Cape Fear . The fleet made landfall on July 13 at an inlet north of Hatorask Island , which was named "Port Ferdinando" after Fernandes, who discovered it. The Native Americans in the region had likely encountered, or at least observed, Europeans from previous expeditions. The Secotan , who controlled Roanoke Island and

3164-458: The patent on Newfoundland and all points north, where geographers expected to eventually find a long-sought Northwest Passage to Asia. Raleigh was awarded the lands to the south, though much of it was already claimed by Spain . Richard Hakluyt , however, had by this time taken notice of Verazzano's "isthmus" – located within Raleigh's claim – and was campaigning for England to capitalize on

3277-418: The treasure fleets of Spain . Despite the broad powers granted to Raleigh, he was forbidden to leave the queen's side. Instead of personally leading voyages to the Americas, he delegated the missions to his associates and oversaw operations from London. Raleigh quickly arranged an expedition to explore his claim. It departed England on April 27, 1584. The fleet consisted of two barques ; Philip Amadas

3390-548: The 1500s noted encountering the friendly Hatteras Island and Outer Banks Natives, noting their hospitality to foreign explorers as well as their happiness and overall quality of life. European-borne diseases and migration to the mainland were likely the main causes for the decline of the Native population. The most notable event was the attempted colonization of Roanoke by the English beginning in 1584. Before bridges were built in

3503-447: The 1930s, the only form of transport between or off the islands was by boat, which allowed for the islands to stay isolated from much of the rest of the mainland. This helped to preserve the maritime culture and the distinctive Outer Banks accent or brogue , which sounds more like an English accent than it does an American accent. Many "bankers" have often been mistaken for being from England or Ireland when traveling to areas outside of

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3616-426: The 1990s, the rise of tourism has led the region to become an increasingly service-oriented economy. There has been a long history of fishing in the Outer Banks, dating back to the end of the 17th century. Pirates ravaged the coast for the majority of the 1600s, but once they were ridden, the local settlers used fishing as their lifeline. In the mid-19th century, large-scale commercial fishing erupted, mostly due to

3729-561: The Atlantic . The Outer Banks were also home to the Wright brothers ' first flight in a controlled, powered, heavier-than-air vehicle on December 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills . During the 20th century, the region became increasingly important for coastal tourism. The Outer Banks are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion ; the effects of climate change compound existing coastal erosion caused by poor coastal management and construction practices. In some locations on

3842-552: The Bonner Bridge and NC   12 from the ocean. The bridge was due for replacement by the early 1990s but construction on the new bridge had been continually held back by environmental lawsuits brought by the Southern Environmental Law Center . The Bonner Bridge was expected to have a thirty-year lifespan. The bridge handled about 2   million cars per year, and the state DOT ranked it

3955-542: The Croatan, this contingent was attacked by an alliance of mainland tribes shortly after Grenville's fleet left. Five of the English were away gathering oysters when two of the attackers, appearing unarmed, approached the encampment and asked to meet with two Englishmen peacefully. One of the Native Americans concealed a wooden sword, which he used to kill an Englishman. Another 28 attackers revealed themselves, but

4068-464: The English briefly claimed St. John's, Newfoundland , in 1583 as the first English territory in North America at the royal prerogative of Queen Elizabeth I , but Gilbert was lost at sea on his return journey to England. Following Gilbert's death in 1583, Queen Elizabeth divided the charter between his brother Adrian Gilbert, and his half-brother Sir Walter Raleigh . Adrian's charter gave him

4181-414: The English. Wingina changed his name to "Pemisapan" ("one who watches"), suggesting a newly cautious and vigilant policy, and established a new temporary tribal capital on Roanoke Island. The English did not initially recognize that these developments represented a threat to their interests. In March, Lane consulted Pemisapan about a plan to explore the mainland beyond Secotan territory. Pemisapan supported

4294-477: The Lane colony with Drake's fleet, were also brought along. This time, the party included women and children, but no organized military force. The expedition consisted of three ships: The flagship Lion , captained by White with Fernandes as master and pilot, along with a flyboat (under the command of Edward Spicer) and a full-rigged pinnace (commanded by Edward Stafford). The fleet departed on May 8. On July 22,

4407-400: The Outer Banks and the mainland. Lane continued to keep Skiko as a hostage. Although Pemisapan met regularly with Skiko and believed him sympathetic to the anti-English cause, Skiko sought to honor his father's intention of maintaining relations with the colony. Skiko informed Lane that Pemisapan planned to organize a war council meeting on June 10 with various regional powers. With the copper

4520-495: The Outer Banks has biodiversity, although it is considered the northern limit for many southern plants such as wild scrub palms. In the northern part of the Outer Banks, from Virginia Beach southward past the North Carolina border to Cape Hatteras , the main types of vegetation are sea grasses, beach grasses and other beach plants including Opuntia humifusa on the Atlantic side and wax myrtles , bays , and grasses on

4633-406: The Outer Banks made the region unsuitable as a base for large ships. The colony's top priority would now be to locate a better harbour. After repairs, Tiger continued with the rest of the fleet to Port Ferdinando, where they reunited with Roebuck and Dorothy . The men left behind by Red Lion were presumably also located during this time. On August 5, John Arundell took command of one of

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4746-478: The Outer Banks. The brogue is more distinctive the further south one travels on the Outer Banks, with it being the thickest on Ocracoke Island and Harkers Island . Some residents of the Outer Banks, known as wreckers, made part of their living by scavenging wrecked ships —or by luring ships to their destruction. Horses with lanterns tied to their necks would be walked along the beach; the lanterns' up and down motion would appear to ships to represent clear water and

4859-592: The Outer Banks; although, they are not native to the area. A wide variety of native plants can be found at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo on Roanoke Island . The Outer Banks are home to Yaupon Holly ( Ilex vomitoria ), the roasted leaves of which were brewed into a high caffeine beverage called black drink by the Native Americans . The Outer Banks may be one of the few places where it

4972-641: The Roanoke River in search of Chaunis Temotan, but they found only deserted villages and warriors lying in ambush. Lane had expected the Moratuc to provide provisions for him along his route, but Pemisapan had sent word that the English were hostile and villagers should withdraw from the river with their food. Lane and his party returned to the colony shortly after Easter, half-starved and empty-handed. During their absence, rumors had spread that they had been killed, and Pemisapan had been preparing to withdraw

5085-465: The Secotan from Roanoke Island and leave the colony to starve. There was no sign of Grenville's resupply fleet, which had not yet even left England. According to Lane, Pemisapan was so surprised that Lane returned alive from the Roanoke River mission that he reconsidered his plans. Ensenore, an elder among Pemisapan's council, argued in favor of the English. Later, an envoy for Menatonon informed Lane that

5198-403: The Secotan had gained from trading with the colony, Pemisapan was able to offer substantial inducements to other tribes to side with him in a final offensive against the English. Oksiko declined to get involved, although individual Weapemeocs were permitted to participate. The plan of attack was to ambush Lane and other key leaders as they slept at the colony, and then signal for a general attack on

5311-573: The Sound side with areas of pine and Spanish moss -covered live oaks . Yucca aloifolia and Yucca gloriosa can be found growing wild here in the northern parts of its range on the beach. Dwarf palmettos were once indigenous to the entire Outer Banks, and they are still successfully planted and grown. Its current most northerly known native stand is on Monkey Island in Currituck County. From Cape Hatteras National Seashore southward,

5424-421: The Spanish. Lane again built fortifications to protect his men as they brought the salt aboard. Grenville's ships then sailed to La Isabela , where the Spanish set aside hostilities to trade with the well-armed English fleet. On June 7, Grenville left Hispaniola to continue to the Outer Banks. The fleet sailed through an inlet at Wococon Island (near present-day Ocracoke Inlet ) on June 26. Tiger struck

5537-522: The Virginia territory. On January 7, 1587, Raleigh approved a corporate charter to found "the Cittie of Raleigh" with White as governor and twelve assistants. Approximately 115 people agreed to join the colony, including White's pregnant daughter Eleanor and her husband Ananias Dare. The colonists were largely middle-class Londoners, perhaps seeking to become landed gentry . Manteo and Towaye, who had left

5650-477: The Weapemeoc leader Okisko had pledged fealty to Queen Elizabeth and Sir Walter Raleigh. This shift in the balance of power in the region further deterred Pemisapan from following through on his plans against the colony. He instead ordered his people to sow crops and build fishing weirs for the settlers. The renewed accord between the English and the Secotan was short-lived. On April 20 Ensenore died, depriving

5763-406: The appearance of weakness. Amadas and his men burnt down the entire town and its crops, sending the natives fleeing. Manteo arranged a meeting for Grenville and Lane with Granganimeo, to provide land for the English settlement on Roanoke Island. Both sides agreed that the island was strategically located for access to the ocean and to avoid detection from Spanish patrols. Lane began construction of

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5876-523: The arrival of Europeans, with small branches of larger tribes, such as the Algonquin speaking Chowanoke , Secotan and Poteskeet living semi-nomadic lives. Oftentimes Native Americans would use the barrier islands facing the Atlantic Ocean for fishing in the summer, and reside on Roanoke Island or the North Carolina mainland in the winter. European explorers to the Outer Banks as far back as

5989-495: The banks, sea levels rose 5 inches from 2011 to 2015. Some sections have significantly eroded already, with portions of Hatteras Island at 25% of its original width as of 2014. Tropical storms like Hurricane Irene in 2011 have already destroyed significant infrastructure and property. The Outer Banks is one of the most culturally distinctive areas of the East Coast of the United States. The Outer Banks were inhabited before

6102-417: The banks, sea levels rose 5 inches from 2011 to 2015. Some sections have significantly eroded already, with portions of Hatteras Island at 25% of its original width as of 2014. Tropical storms like Hurricane Irene in 2011 have already destroyed significant infrastructure and property. The term "Outer Banks" refers to the islands, shoals, and spits from Ocracoke northward, also includes Core Banks , and

6215-531: The base for many large boats that travel miles out towards the Gulf Stream almost every day. The inlet is also the location of a U.S. Coast Guard motor lifeboat station. Oregon Inlet was formed when a hurricane lashed the Outer Banks in 1846, separating Bodie Island from Pea Island. One ship that rode out that storm in Pamlico Sound was named the Oregon . After the storm the crew members of this ship were

6328-503: The bridge due to immediate safety concerns. Routine sonar scanning of the bridge identified scouring concerns, or areas where too much sand has eroded from the support structure of the bridge. "Closing the Bonner Bridge is necessary to keep all travelers safe, but we know it will have a devastating effect on the people who live along and visit the Outer Banks," said NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata. "We will work to safely reopen this vital lifeline quickly, and hope to be able to begin construction on

6441-540: The colony of its last advocate in Pemisapan's inner circle. Wanchese had risen to become a senior advisor, and his time among the English had convinced him that they were a threat. Pemisapan evacuated the Secotan from Roanoke, destroyed the fishing weirs, and ordered them not to sell food to the English. Left to their own devices, the English had no way to produce enough food to sustain the colony. Lane ordered his men to break up into small groups to forage and beg for food in

6554-510: The colony's fort. In June, the colonists made contact with the fleet of Sir Francis Drake , on his way back to England from successful campaigns in Santo Domingo , Cartagena , and St. Augustine . During these raids, Drake had acquired refugees, slaves, and hardware with the intent of delivering them to Raleigh's colony. Upon learning of the colony's misfortunes, Drake agreed to leave behind four months of supplies and one of his ships,

6667-508: The colony. The crew could not find any trace of the colonists and left. Two weeks later, Grenville's relief fleet finally arrived with a year's worth of supplies and reinforcements of 400 men. Grenville conducted an extensive search and interrogated three natives, one of which finally related an account of the evacuation. The fleet returned to England, leaving behind a small detachment of fifteen men both to maintain an English presence and to protect Raleigh's claim to Roanoke Island. According to

6780-476: The construction of the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal , which simplified shipping methods for fishermen. Saltwater fishing became the cash-crop of the Outer Banks, and blossomed it into a popular tourist destination. In modern times, tourists will flock to the area just for the abundance of fishing opportunities. Anglers, otherwise known as fishermen, have a wide range of fishing methods, some dating back to when

6893-526: The definition to two capes ( Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout ) and coastal areas in four counties ( Currituck County , Dare County , Hyde County , and Carteret County ). Some authors exclude Carteret's Bogue Banks ; others exclude the county entirely. The northern part of the Outer Banks, from Oregon Inlet northward, is actually a part of the North American mainland, since the northern inlets of Bodie Island and Currituck Banks no longer exist. It

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7006-475: The desertion of the Lane colony, Raleigh was persuaded to make another attempt by Hakluyt, Harriot, and White. However, Roanoke Island would no longer be safe for English settlers, following the hostilities between Lane's men and the Secotan, and the death of Wingina. Hakluyt recommended Chesapeake Bay as the site for a new colony, in part because he believed the Pacific coast lay just beyond the explored areas of

7119-574: The fact that during its three-year construction it had already become widely known as the New Bonner Bridge and had been repeatedly referred to as such in news articles. The decision to name the new bridge for Basnight was controversial and was opposed by many residents of Hatteras Island who wanted it to be named for Bonner. The bridge received the Deep Foundation Institute ’s Outstanding Project Award in 2019 due to

7232-467: The faster vessels and set sail for England, to report the expedition's safe arrival. The loss of provisions from the Tiger meant that the colony would support far fewer settlers than originally planned. Grenville decided that only about 100 men would stay with Lane, which would be enough to fulfill the colony's objectives until another fleet, scheduled to leave England in June ;1585, could deliver

7345-488: The first settlers arrived, to choose from in the Outer Banks. There are currently six lighthouses on the Outer Banks Towns and communities along the Outer Banks include (listed from north to south): 35°14′00″N 75°31′49″W  /  35.23333°N 75.53028°W  / 35.23333; -75.53028 Roanoke Colony The Roanoke Colony ( / ˈ r oʊ ə n oʊ k / ROH -ə-nohk )

7458-441: The first to tell those on the mainland about the inlet's formation. Hence, it has been known as Oregon Inlet ever since. Like many other inlets along the Outer Banks, Oregon Inlet moves southward due to drifting sands during tides and storms. It has moved south over two miles (3.2 km) since 1846, averaging around 66 feet (20 m) per year. Shoaling of the channel through Oregon Inlet caused by this movement of sand has been

7571-418: The flagship and pinnace anchored at Croatoan Island. White planned to take forty men aboard the pinnace to Roanoke, where he would consult with the fifteen men stationed there by Grenville, before continuing on to Chesapeake Bay. Once he boarded the pinnace however, a "gentleman" on the flagship representing Fernandes ordered the sailors to leave the colonists on Roanoke. Oregon Inlet Oregon Inlet

7684-414: The fleet, Grenville established a base camp, where his crew could rest and defend themselves from Spanish forces. Lane's men used the opportunity as practice for building the fortifications that would be needed at the new colony. The crew also set about replacing the lost pinnace, forging nails and sawing local lumber to construct a new ship. Elizabeth arrived on May 19, shortly after the completion of

7797-548: The fort and pinnace. The remainder of the fleet never arrived at Mosquetal. At least one of the ships encountered difficulties near Jamaica and ran out of supplies, causing its captain to send twenty of his crew ashore. Eventually Roebuck , Red Lion , and Dorothy continued to the Outer Banks , arriving by mid-June. Red Lion left about thirty men on Croatoan Island and departed for privateering in Newfoundland. In

7910-674: The island in 1587 and set up another settlement. Sir Walter Raleigh had sent him to establish the "Cittie of Raleigh" in Chesapeake Bay . That attempt became known as the Lost Colony due to the unexplained disappearance of its population. During a stop to check on Grenville's men, the pilot of the flagship, Simon Fernandes , forced White and his colonists to remain on Roanoke. White returned to England with Fernandes, intending to bring more supplies in 1588. The Anglo-Spanish War delayed his return to Roanoke until 1590, and he found

8023-516: The islands jut out from the eastern seaboard into the Atlantic Gulf Stream, the Outer Banks have a predisposition to be affected by hurricanes, Nor'easters (usually in the form of rain, and rarely snow or mixed precipitation), and other ocean-driven storms. The hardiness zone is 8b. The winters are typically milder than in inland areas, averaging lows in the upper 30s and highs in the lower 50s, and are more frequently overcast than in

8136-457: The islands using transmission lines rather than generators. The environmental impact on the Bonner bridge and road was not fully understood at the time of construction, and now constant beach erosion, severe weather and high volume of traffic continually forces the state to protect the integrity of the road system. As much as $ 50   million was spent between 1987 and 1999 to repair and protect

8249-579: The largest city in the region, possibly leading the English to expect something like the wealthy Inca and Aztec kingdoms encountered by the Spanish. Amadas instead found a more modest settlement, although he was impressed with the area's climate and soil quality . Harriot and Gans explored the Virginia territory, meeting Native American tribes and taking stock of natural resources. During his travels, Harriot and his assistants collected data that would eventually be used to produce White's La Virginea Pars map. Although 16th-century science could not explain

8362-469: The last of the legal obstacles were handled after a judge ruled in favor of the new bridge to be constructed. Construction was set to begin in early 2013 but was halted once again after an appeal was filed by the SELC. The new bridge was then to open to traffic in spring 2015 and the majority of the existing bridge was to be demolished (a portion will remain as a fishing pier). On December 3, 2013, NCDOT closed

8475-804: The main route along Knotts Island in the extreme north; it connects only to Virginia by land. A number of ferries maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division also serve the Outer Banks. From north to south, these are the Knotts Island-Currituck Ferry, the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry, the Swan Quarter-Ocracoke Ferry, and the Cedar Island-Ocracoke Ferry. Additionally,

8588-524: The mainland and Manteo on Roanoke Island . The newest bridge, the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge , was completed in 2002 and carries US 64 Bypass between Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island between Manteo and Wanchese . The Melvin R. Daniels Bridge carries US 64 between Roanoke Island and Nags Head . At Whalebone Junction , the three main highways of the Outer Banks (NC 12, US 158, and US 64) all meet. Additionally, NC 615 serves as

8701-517: The mainland between Albemarle Sound and the Pamlico River, soon made contact with the English and established friendly relations. The Secotan chieftain, Wingina , had recently been injured in a war with the Pamlico , so his brother Granganimeo represented the tribe in his place. Upon their return to England in the autumn of 1584, Amadas and Barlowe spoke highly of the tribes' hospitality and

8814-407: The mainland the following morning. On June 1, Lane, his top officers, and twenty-five men visited Dasamongueponke under the pretense of discussing a Secotan attempt to free Skiko. Once they were admitted into the council, Lane gave the signal for his men to attack. Pemisapan was shot and fled into the woods, but Lane's men caught up to him and brought back his severed head. The head was impaled outside

8927-510: The meantime, Grenville established contact with local Spanish authorities, in the hopes of obtaining fresh provisions. When the Spanish failed to deliver the promised supplies, Grenville suspected they would soon attack, so he and his ships abandoned the temporary fort. Grenville captured two Spanish ships in the Mona Passage , adding them to his fleet. Lane took one of these ships to Salinas Bay , where he captured salt mounds collected by

9040-486: The melting of the Earth's glaciers gave rise to the barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks. By protecting the coastal mainland from the raging waves and storms of the ocean, barrier islands get their name. The Outer Banks is a string of peninsulas and barrier islands separating the Atlantic Ocean from mainland North Carolina . From north to south, the largest of these include: Bodie Island (which used to be an island but

9153-406: The metal to its origin. The colonists spent the autumn of 1585 acquiring corn from the neighboring villages, to augment their limited supplies. The colony apparently obtained enough corn (along with venison, fish, and oysters) to sustain them through the winter. Little information survives, however, about what transpired at the colony between September 1585 and March 1586, making a full assessment of

9266-534: The moderating effects of being surrounded by water. Although snow is possible, averaging from 3 inches in the north to less than 1/2 inch per year in the south, there are many times when years pass between snowfalls. The majority of nor'easters are "born" off the coasts of the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion ; the effects of climate change compounds existing coastal erosion caused by poor coastal management and construction practices. In some locations on

9379-507: The north side of the inlet. The new station was designed with the traditional architectural design of older stations located on the Outer Banks in mind. The Herbert C. Bonner Bridge was a two-lane automobile bridge spanning the Oregon Inlet, between Bodie Island from Pea Island, in Dare County, North Carolina . The bridge carried NC 12 and was utilized by local and seasonal tourist traffic. The 2.7-mile (4.3 km) bridge

9492-402: The old Bonner Bridge, that connected Hatteras Island to the cooperative's power supplier Dominion North Carolina Power . This was done in order for construction of the new bridge to begin and signaled the beginning of the bridge construction process. The official groundbreaking for construction of the new bridge was held on March 8, 2016. The project cost $ 252   million and the new bridge

9605-413: The opportunity. Raleigh's charter, issued on March 25, 1584, specified that he needed to establish a colony by 1591, or lose his right to colonization. He was to "discover, search, find out, and view such remote heathen and barbarous Lands, Countries, and territories ... to have, hold, occupy, and enjoy". It was expected that Raleigh would establish a base from which to send privateers on raids against

9718-492: The other Englishman escaped to warn his unit. The natives attacked with flaming arrows, setting fire to the house where the English kept their food stores, and forcing the men to take up whatever arms were handy. A second Englishman was killed; the remaining nine retreated to the shore, and fled the island on their boat. They found their four compatriots returning from the creek, picked them up, and continued into Port Ferdinando. The thirteen survivors were never seen again. Despite

9831-485: The phenomenon, Harriot noticed that each town the colonists visited quickly suffered a deadly epidemic, which may have been influenza or smallpox . Some of the Secotan suspected the disease was caused by supernatural forces unleashed by the English. When Wingina fell sick, his own people could not treat him, but he recovered after requesting prayers from the English. Impressed, Wingina asked the colonists to share this power with other stricken communities, which only hastened

9944-582: The plan and advised Lane that the Chowanoke leader Menatonon was meeting with his allies to plan an attack on the English, and that three thousand warriors had gathered at Choanoac. At the same time, Pemisapan sent word to Menatonon that the English would be coming, ensuring that both sides would expect hostilities. When Lane's well-armed party arrived at Choanoac, he found representatives of the Chowanoke, Mangoak, Weapemeoc , and Moratuc. Since this gathering

10057-493: The plan to replace the bridge over Oregon Inlet that connects with Pea Island and lies within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore . It would be longer and curve farther inland and was expected to cost approximately $ 1.3   billion and be completed by 2014, although it was likely to be later. On July 26, 2011, NCDOT awarded a $ 215.8   million contract to replace the bridge. In September 2013

10170-615: The popular Outer Banks communities in this section of the coast. The easternmost point is Rodanthe Pier in Rodanthe, North Carolina . The Outer Banks are not anchored to offshore coral reefs like some other barrier islands, and as a consequence, they often suffer significant beach erosion during major storms. In fact, their location jutting out into the Atlantic makes them the most hurricane -prone area north of Florida , for both landfalling storms and brushing storms offshore. Hatteras Island

10283-421: The public imagination. The Outer Banks were explored in 1524 by Giovanni da Verrazzano , who mistook Pamlico Sound for the Pacific Ocean, and concluded that the barrier islands were an isthmus . Recognizing this as a potential shortcut to China , he presented his findings to King Francis I of France and King Henry VIII of England, neither of whom pursued the matter. In 1578, Queen Elizabeth I granted

10396-419: The rest. Based on this information, Lane sent disinformation to the Secotan indicating that an English fleet had arrived, to force Pemisapan's hand. Forced to accelerate his schedule by the possibility of English reinforcements, Pemisapan gathered as many allies as he could for a meeting on May 31 at Dasamongueponke. That evening, Lane attacked the warriors posted at Roanoke, hoping to prevent them from alerting

10509-439: The results of Raleigh's expedition. In 1585, during a ceremony to knight Raleigh, she proclaimed the land granted to him " Virginia " and proclaimed him "Knight Lord and Governor of Virginia". Sir Walter Raleigh proceeded to seek investors to fund a colony. For the first colony in Virginia, Raleigh planned a largely military operation focused on the exploration and evaluation of natural resources. The intended number of colonists

10622-499: The settlement fortified but abandoned. The cryptic word "CROATOAN" was found carved into the palisade , which White interpreted to mean that the colonists had relocated to Croatoan Island . Before he could follow this lead, rough seas and a lost anchor forced the mission to return to England. The fate of the approximately 112–121 colonists remains unknown. Speculation that they had assimilated with nearby Native American communities appears in writings as early as 1605. Investigations by

10735-450: The spread of disease. The epidemic likely had a severe impact on the fall harvest, at a time when Lane's colony would be heavily dependent on its neighbors to supplement its limited food supply. By spring, relations between the Secotan and the colony were strained, most likely due to the colony's over-reliance on Secotan food. The death of Granganimeo, who had been a powerful advocate for the colony, apparently helped to turn Wingina against

10848-513: The strategic location of Roanoke. They brought back two natives: Wanchese , a Secotan, and Manteo , a Croatan whose mother was the chieftain of Croatoan Island . The expedition's reports described the region as a pleasant and bountiful land, alluding to the Golden Age and the Garden of Eden , although these accounts may have been embellished by Raleigh. Queen Elizabeth was impressed with

10961-457: The summer. However, the exposure of the Outer Banks makes them prone to higher winds, often causing wind chills to make the apparent temperature as cold as the inland areas. The summer months average lows from the mid-70s to highs in the upper 80s, depending on the time of the summer. The spring and fall are typically milder seasons. The fall and winter are usually warmer than areas inland, and the spring and summer are often slightly cooler because of

11074-406: The vegetation does include Dwarf Palmetto ( Sabal minor ), Yucca aloifolia and Yucca gloriosa ; however, the area also has Cabbage Palmetto ( Sabal palmetto ), which can be found in the north, although they are native in the southern part of the Outer Banks, specifically prevalent from Cape Hatteras and all points southward. Pindo palms and Windmill palms are also planted widely throughout

11187-444: The voyage. The fleet consisted of seven ships: The galleass Tiger (Grenville's flagship, with Fernandes as pilot), the flyboat Roebuck (captained by John Clarke), Red Lion (under the command of George Raymond), Elizabeth (captained by Thomas Cavendish ), Dorothy (Raleigh's personal ship, perhaps captained by Arthur Barlowe) and two small pinnaces . On April 9, 1585, the fleet departed Plymouth , heading south through

11300-404: The winter at Roanoke despite his absence from the list of colonists. Many of the colonists had joined the mission expecting to discover sources of gold and silver. When no such sources were located, these men became dispirited and decided the entire operation was a waste of their time. The English also researched where the local Native Americans obtained their copper, but ultimately never tracked

11413-579: The winter impossible. The colonists most likely exhausted their English provisions and American corn by October, and the resulting monotony of their remaining food sources no doubt contributed to the men's low morale. Amadas spent the winter exploring Chesapeake Bay , traveling as far as Cape Henry and the James River . While there his party made contact with the Chesapeake villages of Chesepioc and Skicóak . The Secotans had described Skicóak as

11526-526: Was 69, but approximately 600 men were sent in the voyage, with about half intended to remain at the colony, to be followed by a second wave later. Ralph Lane was appointed governor of the colony, and Philip Amadas would serve as admiral, although the fleet commander Sir Richard Grenville led the overall mission. Civilian attendants included Joachim Gans , metallurgist, Thomas Harriot , a scientist, and John White , an artist. Manteo and Wanchese, returning home from their visit to England, were also passengers on

11639-533: Was an attempt by Sir Walter Raleigh to found the first permanent English settlement in North America. The colony was founded in 1585, but when it was visited by a ship in 1590, the colonists had inexplicably disappeared. It has come to be known as the Lost Colony , and the fate of the 112 to 121 colonists remains unknown. Roanoke Colony was founded by the governor Ralph Lane in 1585 on Roanoke Island in present-day Dare County, North Carolina . Lane's colony

11752-420: Was built in 1963 and was dedicated to Herbert C. Bonner . Prior to the building of the Bonner bridge, Hatteras Island was only accessible by air or ferry. Ferries could carry a maximum of 2,000 people per day. The ferries cost the state $ 500,000 per year to operate, and there were very long lines waiting for the ferries during peak season. Due to the constantly shifting sandbars in the inlet, groundings were

11865-419: Was captain of the larger vessel, with Simon Fernandes as pilot, while Arthur Barlowe was in command of the other. There are indications that Thomas Harriot and John White may have participated in the voyage, but no records survive which directly confirm their involvement. The expedition employed a standard route for transatlantic voyages, sailing south to catch trade winds , which carried them westward to

11978-408: Was cut in half on September 18, 2003, when Hurricane Isabel washed a 2,000 feet (600 m) wide and 15 feet (5 m) deep channel called Isabel Inlet through the community of Hatteras Village on the southern end of the island. The tear was subsequently repaired and restored by sand dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers . It was cut off once again in 2011 by Hurricane Irene . Access to the island

12091-479: Was expected to open in February 2019. A crew working on the bridge on July 27, 2017, severed a power cable and caused a widespread blackout on the Outer Banks islands. 50,000 tourists had to be evacuated until power was restored August 3, 2017. The 2.8-mile-long (4.5 km) bridge opened February 25, 2019. On March 7, 2019, state board of transportation voted to name the new bridge for Marc Basnight despite

12204-453: Was largely limited to boat access only from August to late October until another temporary bridge could be built. Three state highway bridges connect the Outer Banks to the mainland. The Wright Memorial Bridge , the oldest (built in 1930, rehabilitated in 1966), carries US 158 between Point Harbor and Kitty Hawk . William B. Umstead Bridge , the second oldest (built in 1957, rehabilitated in 1966), carries US 64 between Manns Harbor on

12317-417: Was necessary because of the shifting of the channel to the south and the encroachment of the ocean from the east. The station was decommissioned and moved to a new safer location some 400 feet (120 m) westward toward the sound. Less than a decade later a storm totally destroyed the Oregon Inlet Station. By 1897, a new station was under construction and was completed in 1898 for less than $ 7,000. As part of

12430-399: Was not planning an attack, Lane caught them by surprise. He easily captured Menatonon, who informed him that it was Pemisapan who had requested the council in the first place. Menatonon quickly gained Lane's trust by offering information about lucrative opportunities in lands the English had not yet discovered. He described a rich and powerful king to the northeast (presumably the leader of

12543-423: Was published in 1588, with engravings of White's illustrations included in the 1590 edition. Following this initial exploration, a silver cup was reported missing. Believing the item stolen, Grenville sent Amadas to lead a detachment back to Aquascogoc to demand the return of the missing property. When the villagers did not produce the cup, the English decided that severe retribution was necessary in order to avoid

12656-421: Was troubled by a lack of supplies and poor relations with some of the local Native American tribes. A resupply mission by Sir Richard Grenville was delayed, so Lane abandoned the colony and returned to England with Sir Francis Drake in 1586. Grenville arrived two weeks later and also returned home, leaving behind a small detachment to protect Raleigh's claim. A second expedition led by John White landed on

12769-436: Was under repair, Grenville organized an expedition to explore Pamlico Sound and the Secotan villages of Aquascogoc , Pamlico , and Secotan. His party made contact with the locals, presenting Harriot and White with an opportunity to extensively study Native American society. Although much of their research did not survive the 1586 evacuation of the colony, Harriot's extensive survey of Virginia's inhabitants and natural resources

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