The Outer Banks This is where I call home. Northeastern North Carolina. Rich in history, the first outdoor drama that still runs today, "The Lost Colony". We have some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast! The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands made up entirely of sand - undersea sand bars. These islands are without the keel of rock that anchors most islands. Due to vegetation, the islands have stabilized and are suitable for habitation. (Vacationers soaking up the sun, surf, and sand!).

Wild Horses There are small herds of true Spanish Mustangs, wild since the 1500's, roaming the Islands. As the islands became settled, the horses were pressed into service for transportation, pulling fishing nets, and beach patrol with the U.S. Life Saving Service (predecessor of the Coast Guard). The horse herds split north and south of Nags Head as the human population grew. Today, horses can be found in Currituck County (northern beaches) and in Ocracoke (southern beaches) at the Pony Pens. These horses are wild and protected by law.

Blackbeard the Pirate Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard the Pirate lived, pirated, and died on the Outer Banks. Blackbeard was very successful in his chosen occupation being a tall, intimidating man decorated with cutlasses and pistols. During combat, his beard was braided with ribbons and he wore lit cannon fuses in his hair. Edward Teach died in hand-to-hand combat with members of the Royal Navy at Ocracoke Inlet on November 22, 1718.

Outer Banks Essential Guide Outer Banks Connection