Hidden History of the Outer Banks

Little-known stories of North Carolina's celebrated barrier islands, with photos included.
The history of North Carolina's Outer Banks is as ancient and mesmerizing as its beaches. Much has been documented, but many stories were lost-until now.
Join local historian Sarah Downing as she reveals a past of the Outer Banks eroded by time and tides. Revel in the nostalgic days of the Carolina Beach Pavilion, stand in the shadows of windmills that once lined the coast, and learn how native islanders honor those aviation giants, the Wright brothers. Downing's vignettes venture through windswept dunes, dive deep in search of the lost ironclad the Monitor, and lament the decline of the diamondback terrapin. Break out the beach chair and let your mind soak in the salty bygone days of these famed coastal extremities.

Sarah Downing has been an involved resident of the Outer Banks community for over 20 years. She is an Assistant Curator at the Outer Banks History Center and has published multiple books and articles as a freelance writer since 2005. Besides working at the History Center, Sarah does a short radio segment each week and enjoys residing in Nags Head.