Find Hotels Near Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site Kill Devil Hills

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site in Kill Devil Hills is a National Register of Historic Places property, and an important part of Outer Banks history. It was founded in 1874 and was the first U.S. life-saving station to be built on the North Carolina coast. The station's primary purpose was to save sailors who were stranded and put their lives at risk. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, including the original structures from this time period along with artifacts that tell the story of those brave individuals who risked their lives to save others at sea.

The site consists of several buildings, including two different lifesaving stations, Bodie Island Station and Chicamacomico Station; a Coast Guard boathouse; a storage building; and a museum filled with artifacts from this early period in maritime safety. In addition, there are numerous exhibits about local shipwrecks, lifesaving protocols, equipment used by life savers, and other historical information about the Outer Banks area during this time period.

Visitors to the site can take part in guided tours of each building or venture out on their own to explore each structure at their own pace. There is also an interactive museum filled with exhibits on maritime safety that give visitors an opportunity to gain greater insight into how these lifesavers worked and operated back in the day. Tour guides provide detailed information about how people were saved during these treacherous times as well as stories about individual rescues made by local men over 150 years ago!

For those interested in a more unique experience while visiting Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site, they can take part in programs such as “Life Saving Reenactments” which educational shows where modern life savers demonstrate actual methods used by early lifesavers for rescuing people at sea using authentic uniforms and equipment from the 1880s era. Additionally, there are annual events such as “Heritage Day” where reenactors showcase activities such as boat drills performed by 19th century crews at Chicamacomico Station along with displays of vintage beach apparatus like surf boats and more!

Overall, Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site is an incredible place for anyone interested in learning more about Outer Banks marine history or simply looking for an interesting place to visit while they’re on vacation! It’s full of adventure and excitement due to its many attractions combined with its rich history that dates back nearly two centuries ago!