Rich History and Haunted Places in the Outer Banks

Legends have been told of the many haunted towns scattered along the eastern seaboard from New England to St. Augustine, each holds a rich history of spooky events. In the center lies a chain of islands along the North Carolina coast known as the Outer Banks, just as rich in history with stories perhaps less told. Arguably one of the most haunted areas in the U.S., these four locales are among the reasons why the Outer Banks is so spooky. 

1. Roanoke Island Inn
Rich in history and haunted happenings, this inn in the small town of Manteo is known for its ghostly happenings. A former owner, Roscoe Jones, was a postmaster in Manteo who was embarrassingly relieved of duty. This caused him to withdraw from society, and he died shortly after. Some visitors to the inn today report seeing a man in a postal uniform coming and going from the front door while others hear footsteps, vases breaking or a radio being tuned in another room.

2. The Black Pelican Restaurant
This Outer Banks restaurant used to be one of many lifesaving stations in the community and holds a spooky tale of its 19th century keeper, Captain James Hobbs. In 1884, an argument erupted between the Captain and a staff member named Daniels. The argument turned deadly when the Captain shot Daniels dead in front of his crew. The Captain was never held accountable for his actions and is perhaps the reason why some believe Daniels' spirit still haunts the station, now a popular restaurant.

3. Teach's Hole
This cove on Ocracoke Island is believed to be the site where Blackbeard was brought to justice after his capture in 1718. Legend has it that he was beheaded aboard a ship in the cove, then his head was hung from the bowsprit while his body was thrown overboard, swimming around before dying. Today, nighttime visitors to Teach's Hole report seeing the headless body swimming in the cove or walking the beaches with a lantern.

4. The Graveyard of the Atlantic
Deeply haunted places can even be found just offshore. Scuba divers and snorkelers can explore the nearly 3,000 shipwrecks dating back to the 1500s, known as The Graveyard of the Atlantic. Wreckage from these vessels is scattered from Kitty Hawk to Ocracoke, offering an eerie, watery reminder of the past.

About the Author: Linda is a guest contributor from Shoreline OBX Vacation Rentals, a company that offers premium Outer Banks vacation homes.