For the history buffs out there, you probably already know that Carteret County, the Crystal Coast and Emerald Isle, NC are steeped in history with opportunities to delve in and explore the past around every corner going back to the early 1500's !!! As you're driving through our beautiful and historically rich area of eastern North Carolina, whether on vacation or to buy a home, you'll notice distinctive silver markers with black lettering all along the NC highway system. These silver markers denote historical sites and their significance. Have you seen them? If so, give a tip of the hat to the North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program established in 1935.
Fasten your seat belt, and I will explore with yo a few of the silver NC Highway Historical Markers that can be found during your vacation or trip to Emerald Isle, NC. With so much history surrounding you, why not make the most of it and embark upon a fun and fascinating historical adventure?
Origins of the NC Highway Historical Marker Program
Thanks to a cooperative venture among state agencies, the North Carolina Highway Historical Program officially came into existence in 1935 with joint responsibility shared among the Historical Research Office, Division of Historical Resources, Department of Cultural Resources, and the Traffic Engineering Branch, Division of Highways, Department of Transportation. The state program was modeled after the one that began in Virginia in 1926. Today, there are over 1,500 state highway historical markers with at least one in every county of North Carolina.
Highway Historical Markers on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina
In Carteret County alone, there are 26 highway historical markers to be found! Each has its own unique backstory and history lesson.The most well-recognized include Cape Lookout, Fort Macon, Beaufort's Old Burying Ground, Ocracoke Inlet and the Newport Barracks. These markers are a wonderful way to kindle interest in Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast which can then be used as a springboard into deeper study and exploration of the topic or event. The historic markers give residents a sense of pride and provide a constant reminder of the rich history that lies so close to home.
Highway Historical Highway Markers Near Emerald Isle, NC
Did you know that there are several NC highway historical markers located really close to Emerald Isle? There are! They're all worth checking out on your way to and from the island or any time you want a quick history lesson. The more you know, the more you'll want to know!
Here are some of the NC highway historical markers right near you. You don't even have to leave the island for these!
Union Artillery
Marker Location: SR 1190 (Fort Macon Road) at Fort Macon State Park. Historical Significance: Union artillery was placed in this area during the siege of Fort Macon, March 23-April 26, 1862.
Verrazzano
Marker Location: NC 58 in Pine Knoll Shores. Historical Significance: In 1524 the greater part of the present east coast of the United States, including North Carolina, was first described by a European, Giovanni da Verrazzano, a Florentine navigator sailing for King Francis I of France. His voyage along the coast in 1524 marked the first recorded European contact with North Carolina.
Hoop Pole Creek
Marker Location: NC 58 (Fort Macon Boulevard) in Atlantic Beach. Historical Significance: Union forces led by General John G. Parke landed here, March 29, 1862, during the Fort Macon campaign.
SS Pevensey
Marker Location: NC 58 (Salter Path Road) in Pine Knoll Shores. Historical Significance: Blockade runner, iron steamer, chased ashore by Union ship, June 9, 1864. Remains lie offshore, 220 yards SE.
Fort Macon
Marker Location: SR 1190 (Fort Macon Road) at Fort Macon State Park. Historical Significance: Built by U.S. Corps of Engineers, 1826-34. Good example of brick fort. Seized by Confederates, April 14, 1861. Scene of battle, April 25, 1862.
When you next plan a visit to Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast, schedule some time to visit nearby historic sites or have a family scavenger hunt where you seek out as many of the NC highway historical markers as you can during your time here. If you can't get out there and see the markers yourself, go to my website, www.EIHomesforSale.com for my free Guide to Living in Emerald Isle or text your email to: 919-308-2292. Also, subscribe to my YouTube channel, Emerald Isle Vacation Home Specialist.
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