This is a place that you really have to experieince. Portsmouth , off of Ocracoke Island, on North Carolina ’s Outer Banks was settled around 1753. In its hay-day in 1860, the village had 505 permanent residents. Residents made their living on the island by fishing, fish processing, movement of ship freight, lifesaving, and scavenging goods that washed ashore from shipwrecks. The last permanent residents left the island in 1971. At that time, Portsmouth came under ownership of the National Park Service as part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore in 1976. Today, Portsmouth Village is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is scattered over 250 acres and contains about 20 structures. A mile of tidal flats, separates the village from the Atlantic Ocean . The island can be accessed by passenger ferry from Ocracoke. Once at Portsmouth , visitors will be met by Park Rangers or Park Volunteers. This is unbelievable place and hard to describe. Imagine a village from the late 1800s, early 1900s being evacuated AND maintained as though the residents are still there. It really has to be experienced. My family and I spent a day on Portsmouth and had a fantastic time. It was a step back in time. The photography opportunities are endless. Wildlife was abundant and diverse. NOTE: Mosquitoes thrive on this island – Be prepared with the right clothing and insect repellent. Good journeys!

Beautiful, quaint, historic, and hot in the summer. A secluded island only accesible by boat. Take the ferry and make a day of it. Step back in time, enjoy local fine local seafood and take in the fresh salt air. It is truly unique!