Elan Vacations

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is one of the most historical places in the United States. The Outer Banks is comprised of a chain of barrier islands on the mid-Atlantic coast. Many important events have taken place here which has helped shape American society as we know it today.

The History of the Outer Banks can be traced all the way back to the early 1500’s when the namesake of America, Amerigo Vespucci, anchored in Cape Hatteras, which was named after his ship, “Bight of Hatteras.” Settlers then began colonizing on Roanoke Island. Between 1524 and 1588, many French and Spanish settlers visited the Outer Banks’ shore to search for gold.

In 1587, the first child was born in America to English parents. Her name was Virginia Dare. Although shortly after her birth, the colony disappeared and became famously known as the “Lost Colony.” Her father John White returned to England to seek assistance for the colony, and when he returned 3 years later the colony had vanished.

Moving forward to the 18^th century, much of the Outer Banks was engulfed in conflicts with Native Americans and pirates. In order to instill order and stop the fighting, the Royals in Britain placed the area under strict control in 1724. During that time, the regions were peaceful and did prosper, until North Carolina joined in the revolution from Britain to gain its independence between 1776 and 1783. After that time and throughout the 19^th century, the Outer Banks became a relatively quiet area. However, during the time of the American Civil War in the 1860’s there were a few battles that took place which involved Fort Clark and Fort Hatteras, followed by Roanoke Island.

On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright put the Outer Bank’s back on the map. The Wright Brothers were the first to fly an airplane that was powered by propulsion. Although the flight was very short, the first one only 12 seconds and only covered 120 feet, history was made and a new fascination with flying was created. The airplane took off on a windy day from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In their honor, the Wright Brothers National Memorial was created. Today, December 17^th, is the 104^th anniversary of this great achievement in American History.