Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk sits on Bodie Island, a narrow sand barrier between the Atlantic and the Albemarle Sound, about two meters above sea level. The settlement extends over several kilometers and consists of low residential buildings, small shops, and scattered historic structures nestled among dunes and patches of pine woods.

Local fishermen and farmers lived here from the 18th century and later built a lifesaving station along the dangerous coast. In the early 20th century, the Wright brothers moved to the area because they needed the steady winds and soft terrain for their experiments.

The name comes from an Algonquian word for geese that once gathered in large flocks along the coast. Many street names and local businesses today reflect the early aviation history and the maritime past of the area.

U.S. Route 158 and Highway 12 run parallel through the settlement and connect it to neighboring coastal towns to the north and south. Parking is available at several public beach access points, and the roads are flat and easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle.

Many street signs and house numbers are mounted lower than usual to resist the strong winds that often sweep across the flat island. Some older houses stand on raised pilings to protect them from the occasional storm surges that flood the terrain.

Location: Dare County

Elevation above the sea: 2 m

Website: http://townofkittyhawk.org

GPS coordinates: 36.07694,-75.70472

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:42