DID YOU KNOW OBX

Did you know that the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States measuring more than 198 feet tall? But it hasn’t always stood where it stands today. Lit on December 16, 1870 the current lighthouse replaced a much shorter and ineffective one. Having a distinctive pattern and light sequence, it allows mariners to recognize it from all others during the day and night as they sailed along the coast. In 1935 the lighthouse was decommissioned due to the threat of beach erosion and was transferred to the National Park Service in 1937. In 1950, after the beach had been built back, the lighthouse was reinstated back into service. After decades of continued beach erosion, in 1999 the lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet from its original location to where it stands tall today. Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow for more “Did you know?” facts about the Outer Banks.

Did you know, rising into the sky on a hilltop in Kitty Hawk, stands the “Monument to a Century of Flight” which was erected in commemoration of the first 100 years of flight, that all began on the Outer Banks? Fourteen stainless steel, wing shaped pylons rise in height from 10 to 20 feet, and organized in an orbit of 120 feet, symbolize the length of the Wright Brothers' first historic flight. Black granite panels chronicle and recognize significant accomplishments and milestones in the first 100 years of aviation. Free and open to the public, the monument is located in a public park at the Aycock Brown Welcome Center in Kitty Hawk. Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow for more “Did you know?” facts about the Outer Banks.

Did you know, located just beyond the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse lies the final resting place of two foreign sailors? On April 9, 1942 the motor vessel San Delfino, an armed British tanker was torpedoed east of Cape Hatteras. 28 of the 50 men on board perished and the remains of two of those British seamen - Fourth Engineer Michael Cairns and another unidentified sailor - washed ashore. Local citizens laid the men to rest with military honors in nearby Buxton Woods. It is in this quiet area of Buxton Woods where visitors can find the graves of the two sailors, and every year on the Thursday and Friday closest to May 11th the National Park Service, US Coast Guard, and British Royal Navy join together with visitors to honor the service of the men buried in the cemetery. The Buxton British Cemetery can be found on Lighthouse Road just past the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow for more “Did you know?” facts about the Outer Banks.

Did you know, located just off the shore of Salvo rests a shipwreck, possibly from the civil war? The shipwreck is thought to be one of two possible ships. The first is that of the Pocahontas, a wooden paddle wheel steamer that ran ashore and became disabled during a storm on January 28, 1862 while on route to the Battle of Roanoke Island as part of the Burnside Expedition. The shipwreck is also thought by some to be a former Civil War blockade runner, where it was known as the Blunheim before it was captured, sold, and renamed the SS Richmond. It is thought to have run aground in 1866 due to a faulty compass. No matter the ship's history, it presently rest's yards from shore and is easy to locate because of the paddle wheel shaft that rises out the water. Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow for more “Did you know?” facts about the Outer Banks.

Did you know that originally built in 1953, the Kitty Hawk Pier has seen everything from record setting catches, catastrophic storms, and the start of countless happily ever afters? Known for its restaurant in the 1950s and 60s, the Kitty Hawk Pier was also a hot spot for state record breaking catches of fish. Serving as a memorable backdrop for many a vacation, the Pier has weathered many storms, but was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Isabell in 2003. After a significant restoration, the Pier was opened back to the public making it one of the oldest remaining coastal piers in North Carolina. Today, the pier serves as host to countless weddings and events, and is open to anglers when not in use for scheduled events. The Kitty Hawk Pier is located at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more “Did you know” facts about the Outer Banks.