Portsmouth Island

Located just a short boat ride away and part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Portsmouth Island is a historic uninhabited village now under the care of the National Park Service and the Friends of Portsmouth Island. Established in 1753 by the North Carolina Colonial Assembly, Portsmouth Island was at one time the largest settlement along the Outer Banks. It was abandoned in 1971.

Explore the village on foot. Historical coastal architecture with “day in the life of” settings capture what life was like before the last residents left the island. The post office, general store, church, and life-saving station tell this village’s story.