Ocracoke Historic District

Ocracoke Historic District is a coastal settlement with 228 buildings, 15 sites, and 4 structures across 200 acres near Silver Lake harbor. It contains a working lighthouse from the 1800s, several churches, shops, and homes that span different periods of harbor life.

The district began growing in the late 1700s when sailors and fishermen settled here. Most buildings date from the 1800s through mid-1900s and were built using timber salvaged from shipwrecks, showing how the community thrived on sea trade.

The district reflects the customs of a fishing community where the sea shaped daily routines and building practices. Local architecture shows how residents adapted to life on an island by reusing salvaged materials and creating sturdy structures.

The area is best explored on foot since roads are narrow and buildings sit close together. The best time to visit is between late spring and early fall when weather is stable and paths are easier to navigate.

A British cemetery within the district honors foreign sailors who died in 1942 when a ship was attacked nearby. The graves tell the story of a wartime moment that left a lasting mark on this small island community.