Dare County, County seat in North Carolina, United States
Dare County stretches along the Outer Banks and covers several islands lying between the Pamlico Sound and the open ocean. The landscape consists of dunes, shallow waters, and narrow strips of sand connected by bridges.
The area was the site of the Roanoke settlement in the 16th century, which later disappeared without a trace. The territory was organized as a county in 1870 and developed into a coastal destination during the 20th century.
The connection to the sea appears everywhere in daily life, from fishing docks to boat repair shops along the shore. Many families have worked on the water for generations and still teach their children the craft.
Visitors can reach the coast through several roads and bridges connecting the islands. Beaches and harbors remain open year-round, though conditions vary with the season.
The islands shift constantly through storm and tide, which has forced some houses to be moved over the years. Some towns still carry names from the time before European settlement.
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