Outer Banks History
(Continued from Pi|t I, Section I)
racoke Inlet. This town was des
tined to become the center of one
of the most active ports of entry
In the colony for several years.
A commission was appointed for
laying out Portsmouth, the town
site consisting of SO acres. I-ols
were to be oae-half acre each,
with convenient streets.
The same act of 1743 ordered the
building of Fort Granville as a
protection for sea traffic entering
Pamlico Sound On a nearby is
land, known as Shell Castle, was
built the state's first port terminal.
Seagoing vessels entered Ocracoke
Inlet, discharged cargoes that were
placed in warehouses there for
transhipping to the river ports on
the mainland.
Portsmouth, once a proud and
busy port of the Banks, is in the
process of becoming a ghost town
From a population that once num
bered over a thousand, there are
but eight persons now living year
around in the village.
Along its shore from Portsmouth
to Cape Lookout, Core Banks has
been gale-whipped by the storms
of the Atlantic. Shipwrecks and
heroic rescues from its breakers
have gone down in maritime his
tory.
Coast Guarded
Two Coast Guard stations serve
the shipping off the Banks?Atlan
tic Station some 25 miles below
Portsmouth and the Cape Lookout
Station.
One of the most heroic rescues
made by a crew of the Cape Look
out Station was the saving of six
men from the schooner Sara D.
J. Rawson that went into the
breakers in February 1905. Nine
members of the life saving crew
made the rescue. Each was award
ed a gold medal.
Early maps show Core Banks
to be one continuous stretch of
land. Today it is divided into two
so-called Islands by Drum Inlet
below Portsmouth and Bardens Cut
or Inlet near the Cape.
Sparse vegetation and low grow
ing shrubs cover most of the
Banks. Wild ponies and some gaunt
Cattle range the dunfs of Core and
ghackleford Banks. Roundups for
the branding of new colts take
place on these Banks each sum
mer. With the exception of hun
ter's camps, several cottages, and
( few fishermen huts, there is no
(regular habitation on Core Banks
from Portsmouth to Cape Lookout.
In the early part of the 1800's a
crude lighthouse was erected at
the Cape as an aid to navigation.
In 1859 the present tower and light
was started, being completed just
before the outbreak of the Civil
War. It was badly damaged by
Federal forces when an attempt
was made to blow it up. In 1887
the Coast Guard Station at this
point was put in operation.
Buoys Replace Lightship
A familiar sight off Cape Look
out for nearly a half century after
the Civil War was the Cape Look
out lightship, known as "Old 80."
It was replaced by modern buoys
to mark the breakers south of the
Cape.
Before the outbreak of World
War I, a project was started to
build a railroad to the Cape, create
a coaling station and a harbor of
refuge. Thousands of tons of gra
nite were placed out from the
Cape to form a breakwater. War
halted this project and the break
water was never completed. This
project interested a number of
land speculators at the time who
bought up large acreage near the
proposed coaling station. A town,
as well as a summer resort was
planned.
Interest in this section was re
vived in 1933 when a company
known as the Cape Lookout High
way, Inc., was formed with the
idea of building a highway from
Lennoxville to the Cape. This pro
ject failed for lack of funds.
That arm of Core Banks extend
ing westward from the Cape,
known today as Shackleford Banks,
has a background of most interest
ing history. There were inhabitants
along ita shore more than 200 years
ago. An old map dated 1764 desig
nates a building as "Davis," a
beacon light, and whalers' huts.
These landmarks are shown on
the map about five miles west of
the Cape, within the "hook." This
location in later years became the
site of Diamond City, the largest
settlement ever on Shackleford
Banks.
Whaling Profitable
Although fishing was engaged in
to a large extent by these early
settlers, the whaling industry, cen
tered about Diamond City, proved
the most profitable. In addition to
the permanent inhabitants along
the roast, the annual whaling sea
son in southern waters brought
whalers from as far north as Cape
Cod and Nantucket Island.
Smaller settlements known ss
Wades Shore, Mullet Pond. Whale
Creek and Belles Island made up
a township in and about the Cape.
In ita active fishing and whaling
LIST
YOUR
TAXES
TODAY!
days ovtr 500 homes formed the
township, most of which were de
stroyed in the storm of IMS
A voting precinct was main
tained on the Banks for several
years. Also two public schools gave
the children educational advan
tages. The East Shackleford school
was at Diamond City and the West
Shackleford school at W a d e a
Shores They were discontinued in
1910. These buildings were the cen
ters of community affairs as well
ss places for the holding of reli
gious services.
Three notable events occurred
an the Banks to keep alive its his
tory and legends. In 1744 when
Spanish privateers entered Old
Topsail inlet and sacked the town
af Beaufort, raids were made on
the Banks for the securing of cattle
and other living needs.
Blackboard Here?
Some historians claim that the
pirate Blackboard used the Banks
[or the burying of his ill-gotten
loot, but no evidence has ever
come to light to prove this claim.
Several years ago a rusty cutlass
af Spanish design was found along
the shore.
Although many wrecks have oc
curred along this coast, it re
mained for that of 'he "Crissie
Wright" in January 1886, to es
tablish an event that has carried
down the years. This wreck oc
curred at one of the coldest times
in the history of the county, caus
ing the freezing to death of six
members of its crew before res
cuers from the several villages
were able to reach the wreck, sav
ing only one man.
It was not until a year later that
a lifesaving station was put in ser
vice at the Cape. Even today old
timers along the coast, talking of
cold weather, never find it as cold
as when the "Crissie Wright" went
ashore.
The other severe disaster was
the storm of 1898, that practically
destroyed all the homes on the
hanks, along with many boats and
fishing gear. From that time on,
a gradual exodus took place, the
inhabitants going mostly to the
mainland.
Today, a hunting lodge or two
dots this sandy waste. Small banks
ponies roam the dunes which have
mingled with the dust of those
hardy men of the sea.
Across from Shacklcford Point
lies Boguc Banks, the first stretch
of Outer Banks to greet the eye
of Vcrraiano. He sailed northward
from Cape Fear, found the coast
"to trend toward the east." It is
doubtful if the countour and vege
tation of this island has changed
much since first sighted by this
explorer in 1524.
Like Core Sound, this sandy
waste and sound received its name
from a tribe of Indians, member;
of the Choctaw tribe who are sup
posed to have been located at
Cedar Point. While artifacts have
come to light, there is no evidence
that an Indian village ever existed
on the Banks.
As a means to help prevent sea
raiders from entering the sounds,
a small fort was ordered built by
the Assembly in 1756, named Fort
Dobbs. The location of this fort
has long since washed away, as
well as that of Fort Hampton budt
in 1810. During a program of coast
defense-building by the Govern
ment in the 1820's. Fort Macon was
built, taking ten years for comple
tion.
Tracing the history of Boguc
Banks from the coming of the
early settlers into the county?
this section of Outer Banks was
settled by fishermen who had no
claim to the land, either by grant
or purchase. The first settlement
of any sire was at the western
end of the Banks, known as Bob's
Cove. Dying vegetation and shift
ing sand sent the people eastward
to a location which became known
as Rice Path.
Wrecked Schooner
Naming of this place came about
by the wrecking of a schooner on
the beach, containing a cargo of
rice. To reach the shore to salvage
the rice, the men cut a way
through the cedars and underbrush
over which to tote their find. This
path to the oceansidc became
known as the rice path. So the
people gave that name to their
community.
Once again the elements drove
the people eastward. Their next
settlement was on higher ground
at Piney Creek. Here they re
mained fur several years, until
many of the people made their
last move to Salter Path.
The first church?McthodisW-on
the Banks was at this settlement.
Proud of their new house of wor
ship, a bell was purchased and
hung from a post near the build
ing. This prised possession which
called those hardy folks to wor
ship. gave to the community the
name?Ben Cove. When the site
was abandoned to later years the
house of worship was moved to
the mainland at Broad Creek.
Sales Farced Moves
The movement of these fisher
folk from point to point was not
due entirely to the elements.
Grants and purchases of Banks
land gave ownership to large
tracts, the owners of which may
have helped to cause the migra
tion. But little value was placed
on this wild arid land. Deeds show
that tracts were purchased for 5
cents to IS cents an acre.
It remained for a northern man,
John A. Royal, purchaser of a
large tract of Banks land in later
years, to provide a permanent site
for the homes of these dispossessed
persons. Royal selected a location
on high ground, 3,000 feet in width,
extending from ocean to sound,
with the privilege of cutting wood
on land one mile westward.
This land was to descend from
one generation to another of the
original settlers, the real estate
taxes to be paid by any owner of
adjoining land. So, today Salter
Pathers, with the exception of per
sonal property taxes, are tax free.
Legal battles to years past have
been fought over the title, but the
present holders are still the win
ners. First known as GlUikin, the
town was given its present name
when a post office was established.
The most historic event to occur
on Bogue Banks was the battle of
Fort Macon, April 25, 1882, when
Federal forces during the Civil War
captured the fort after a one-day
battle. Today this ancient bastille
and surrounding park is one of the
moat visitod historical spots in the
state.
Fend Brings Death
Tragedy stalked the Banks in
November 1917 when a double slay
ing took place. J. Wheeler Glover,
owner of a large tract, is thought
to havo had an argument with
Charlie Salter of Bell Cove, who
was said to have let his cattle run
on Glover's land, also doing some
hunting against Glover's orders.
The facts and story of the slay
ing died with the two men. Both
were shot to death, dying before
found by searchers. Salter died
from a shot in his heart, Glover
dying from a gaping wound in his
side. Shotguns were used by cacb
man.
Of the three sections of Outer
Banks along the coast of Carteret
County, Bogue Banks has made
the greatest development through
the years. From a start in 1887
when a bathing pavilion wgs con
structed on the beach, it has be
come one of the most popular sum
mer resorts along the state's coast.
Where once those hardy fisher
men of yore dragged their nets
upon sandy beach, now long fishing
piers reach out into the ocean for
the convenience of sports fisher
men. Summer homes, a far cry
from the huts and crude homes
of past day, line the occansidc for
miles.
The Outer Banks of Bogue has
I come into its own.
WOW Welcomes
Three Members
At a special meeting of Wood
men of the World Camp 188 Mon
day evening, T. C. flyman Jr.,
Frank C. Sarvis and James Young
were welcomed as new members.
The new officers for 1958 arc
James W. Bell, consul commander;
Gerald V. Phillips, past consul
commander; Lennis O. Brinson Sr..
advisor lieutenant; Barrett Davis,
banker.
Robert E. Bittncr, escort; Itufus
L Turnage. financial secretary;
William O. Ball, watchman; MU
ford R. Lewis, sentry; Earl A.
Sells, Kenneth Miller and E. B.
Thompson, auditors; Dr. S. W.
Hatcher, camp physician. Earl W.
Couch was elected captain of tbc
degree team.
The eivie and fraternal program
for the year was outlined by Mr.
Bell. A number of members were
appointed to serve on various com
mittees.
Tbc camp plans to sponsor a
hillbilly program and present an
American flag and flagpole to
Morchcad City School. The flag
pole has already been erected at
the school.
Coal is the chief industry of
West Virginia. Chemicals have
second place with 34 major plants,
employing more than 26,000 work
ers.
For -
y Better 43
f Traction...'
Test a 'M Studebalrer with
Twin Traetiaai (or eu re-footed power
in mud, sand, iee or enow. /TJ\
Studebaker-Paokard ( y )
Stewart Motor Sales, lac. Haveleck, N. C.
Jin. 14?The Rev. Ummie Tay
lor of Richlandi filled bit appoint
ment here Sunday and Sunday
night. He waa accompanied by
hla family, being tbe guest of Mr.
and Mra. Willie Pelletier
Friends regret to know Mr Al
phua Heath is now in Chapel Hill
hospital with a back ailment. Wa
wish for him a speedy recovery.
Mr. Roy Russell spent the week
end with his family. He Is sta
tioned at Fort Bragg.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Taylor and
family of Morehead spent a short
while with his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Henry Taylor, Sunday.
Friends of Mr. blmer Garner
regret to know be ia not doing so
well now. We with for him ?
speedy recovery.
Mrs. Allen Hewitt of Newport
vieited Mri Minnie Elliott and
eon, Douglas. Sunday
Mr. and Mr. Wylie Taylor of
Georgetown, S. C.. apent laat week
end with relatlvea here.
Thoae who observed birthdays
laat week were Wayne West, Judy
West, Reginald Hall and Rocky
Taylor.
Mrs. J. B Henderson visited
Mrs. Lucille Psge Monday
Mrs. Sadie Mann attended church
here Sunday.
Mr and Mrs. Luther Guthrie of
Morehead were business visitors
at Lester Hall's Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray McLcndon
were guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.
G. Henderson Saturday night.
Miss Leon a Taylor spent Satur
day night with Brenda Taylor
Those who visited Mr. Elmer
Garner Monday were Mrs. J. H.
Lewis, Mrs. Izorah Bell, Mrs. Mol
Join
MARCH
OF
DIMES
lie Hall, Mra. Joe Barnes, Mrs.
Willie PeUetier, Mrs. Minnie El
liott and Mr. and Mrs. Willie Page.
Friends regret to learn that Mrs.
Louise Taylor has been on the sick
list. We wish for her a speedy re
covery.
Mr. and Mrs. William Pincr vis
ited her mother, Mrs. H. A. Tay
lor, Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Linwood Hale vis
ited Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Morton
in New Bern Thursday night.
There is a village in North Eng
land named "No Name."
Turtle's Grove
Jan. U ? Mr and Mrs. B. A.
Pbelpa afa visiting her brother and
tlater-In-law, Dr. and Mra. Clifford
W. Lewta of High Point.
lira G. L. Dudley accompanied
Mr. and Mra. Styron to Charlotte
on a buying trip for the atore.
While there, ahe plans to attend
a fashion ahow.
Mra. Allie Lewis. Mr. Kelly
Lewis, and Miss Geraldine Lewis
spent Sunday with Mrs. Lewis' son.
Sterling and family of Raleigh.
Mr. Kearney Merrill Sr. has re
turned home from Sea Level Hos
pital.
The Rev. Robert Poulk filled his
regular appointment at the wor
ship service Sunday evening at
Tuttle's Grove Methodist Church.
Miss Barbara Kittrell spent the
weekend with her aunt, Mrs. Need
am Dunn, of Newport.
The weekly prayer service was
held at the home of Mr. and Mr*.
B. A. Phelps Friday night The
next service will be held at the
borne of Mrs. Doili* Dudley.
Mrs. J. E. Taylor has returned
home after a visit with her son,
John C. Sawyer, and family of
Rocky Mount.
Miss Blanche Dudley had as her
guests Sunday her brother and
sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Duldey, of Beaufort.
Mr Lonnie Foreman and family
of Belhaven spent Friday and Sat
urday with his sister, Mrs. DolUs
Dudley, of Beaufort.
Education "Loafing"
Vancouver (AP) ? The West is
losing the education race with Rus
sia because it is "loafing," says
Dr. Cyril Reid, chemistry profes
sor at the University of British Co
lumbia. "Our children learn too
soon that one does not need an ed
ucation to make a comfortable liv
ing," he told a discussion group.
if. S. Government GRADE "iM Plump. Tender Eutiy-Dressed
TURKEYS
TOP-QUALITY
14 POUNDS
AND UP
PICNICS 5c
COUNTRY r)C PURR PORK Brsl - Center Slice* QQ
SAUSAGE & 49c smoked ham " BVc
WINNER QUALITY SLICED FRESH CHEF'S PRIDE
BACON " 63c POTATO salad S1 31c
THIN SLICED HSU CHEFS PRIDE
LIVER 39c CHICKEN ""?> S! 47c
LzJ
COLONIAL STORES
SAVE 10c AT CS! BAKERITE
SHORTENING - 69
SAVE 10c AT CS! GARNER'S
GRAPE JELLY -29
39
10
SAVE Rc AT CS1 ARMOUR'S
12-OX.
MARGARINE
2 qtrs. 57c
Frozea-Rile Parker
FHOZEN BOLLS
PKG. 39c
Our Pride Half Mooa
POUND CUE
ss- 47c
Morion's Frozen
Chebiy Tun
2 SS. 29c
Virginia Winenp
APPLES
2 *?* 25<
Late, Lote Prieem
Plot Valuable
sa i-i- <
STAMPS J
GIVEN WITH YOUR
PURCHASES AT
COLONIAL STORES
\ FRESH CRISP ICEBERG
r*
ettuce
LARGE
HEARS
29
HEINZ TOMATO Detergent
BREEZE
KETCHUP ... - 25
PUSS *N BOOTS ALL-FISH
CAT FOOD.. 3 - 25?
DETERGENT FOR DHHK SHORTENING
LIQUID VEL 7S- 40c , SNOWDRIFT Si, 97c
?rm FRF.F. DISH Ct.OTH I PILLMURY
SILVER dust & 35c BISCUITS 2 25c
ACD-PURPOSE I REAUTY SOAP
KRAFT OIL &. 67c PALMOUVE 5S 10c
LGE.
PKG.
35
Liquid Detergent
WISK
PINT
CAN
41.
STORE HOURS:
Mnrrhead City and Bcaafort
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
S A.M. to ( P.M.
Friday, I A.M. to 7 P.M.
Saturday, S A.M. to ?:? P.M.
Closed Wednesday 1 P.M.
rricos In Ms ad ifnlhs ton
Sato day of Ms work, Jan. It,
? 335 FRONT ST. ? BEAUFOR1 ? 1010 ARENDELL ST. ? MOREHEAB CITY