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A short ferry ride away from Hatteras Island, lies the quaint island of Ocracoke. Many of our guests arrive to Cape Hatteras via Ocracoke. Ranked as the second finest beach in America in 2005, Ocracoke made the Top Ten Beach List by Stephen Leatherman -- also known as Dr. Beach. Dr. Beach reported on The Today Show that "Ocracoke is a real getaway beach." With sugary white sands, clear pristine waters and wide sandy beaches, this naturally georgeous beach was Blackbeard's favorite.
The first residents here were Native American of the Wocon tribe. In the seventeen hundreds, this sixteen mile long island was used to raise cattle and sheep. Pirates are a colorful part of this island's history. It is recorded that Blackbeard lost his life here during a fierce naval battle in 1718. William Howard purchased Ocracoke in 1759 and made his home on the island. Interestingly enough a chap by the same name had served as quartermaster to Blackbeard. Many of his descendents live in Ocracoke today.
More than five-hundred ships have foundered off of the coast here around treacherous Diamond Shoals. When the bits of broken ship washed up on shore, residents salvaged the wood to build with, and hence you can find homes in the historic district built with lumber from shipwrecks.
The Ocracoke Lighthouse beacon is the oldest in North Carolina and one of the oldest beacons still active in the nation. With the distinction of being the shortest lighthouse in the state, this fog slicing beam can be seen up to fourteen miles out to sea.
The seaside village of Ocracoke is situated around a beautiful harbor called Silver Lake. During the peak summer months an increasing number of tourists come to enjoy the pristine beaches and fish in the abundant waters. Sailboating and kayaking are also very popular pastimes of those who come to rest and enjoy Ocracoke. The wildlife is plentiful and you can see turtles, dolphins along with many different species of birds. Not to miss while visiting Ocracoke are the famous wild ponies. Thought to be descendents of horses from vessels shipwrecked on the shoals. Once left to roam on their own, they are now cared for by the National Park Service where you can view them on the east end of the island.
The laid back lifestyle here along with the many unique sights to see draw many to visit this picturesque island. Plan to make a daytrip to Ocracoke during your stay with us at Outer Beaches Realty.
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