Portsmouth, former fishing and shipping village located on Portsmouth Island on the Outer Banks in North Carolina
Portsmouth is an abandoned settlement in Carteret County, North Carolina, situated on a barrier island off the coast. The site contains a few preserved structures and ruins that remain from an earlier community.
Portsmouth was established in 1753 and served as an important harbor settlement for ships and fishermen along North Carolina's coast. The community was eventually abandoned, partly due to storms and deteriorating conditions on the island.
Access to the site requires taking a boat, as Portsmouth sits on a remote island with no bridge connection. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and limited facilities on-site.
Portsmouth was fully evacuated in 1971 and stands as one of the few places where visitors can see a completely abandoned 18th-century American community. The island is now protected as a historic reserve, offering rare insight into early coastal settlement life.
Location: Carteret County
GPS coordinates: 35.06972,-76.06389
Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:27
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
52.7 km
Cape Lookout National Seashore
36.8 km
Ocracoke Light
8.3 km
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
36.1 km
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
49.5 km
Cape Lookout Village Historic District
67 km
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
23.8 km
Naval Facility Cape Hatteras
53.6 km
China Grove
61.6 km
Lake Mattamuskeet Pump Station
43.7 km
Inkwell
46.2 km
Hatteras Weather Bureau Station
37.9 km
Carteret County Home
65.6 km
Ellsworth and Lovie Ballance House
38.3 km
George V. Credle House and Cemetery
51 km
Frisco Mini-Golf and Go Carts
47.9 km
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum
60.1 km
Cape Lookout Visitor's Center
60.2 km
Keepers' Quarters Museum
65.1 km
Harkers Island Visitor Center
60.1 km
Cape Lookout Lighthouse
65.2 km
Bare Sand Beach
58.3 km
Bald Beach
65.1 km
Light Station Visitor Center
65 km
Sand Island
18.8 km
Old House Beach
21.2 km
Lighthouse Area Oceanside Beach
65.1 km
Cedar Island Beach
22.9 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes