Outer Banks Island is located in North Carolina, and is a popular tourist destination due to its wide range of natural beauty. The Outer Banks is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by the Pamlico Sound, Cape Hatteras and the Albemarle Sound. The island comprises of two sections, the mainland which is connected to the sound by a bridge, and the islands which are connected by bridges as well. The mainland has a population of around 10,000 people while the islands have a population of about 4,000 people.
Contents
All About Of Outer Banks Island
History
The Outer Banks were first discovered by Europeans in 1585 and the first attempt to settle them was made in 1663. The island was initially settled as a hunting ground for the local Native Americans, but it became a popular tourist destination following its discovery by John White in 1587. The first permanent settlers arrived on the island in 1733 and, due to its natural beauty, it quickly became a popular tourist spot.
Natural Features
The Outer Banks is home to a wide range of natural features including: beaches, lighthouses, pine forests, coves and ponds. Some of the more distinctive islands in the Pamlico Sound include Horn Island and Wanchese Lagoon. The island also has some of the largest sand dunes on all of North Carolina’s barrier islands.
The Outer Banks form part of Cape Lookout National Seashore which is located within Mecklenburg County and encompasses 6400 acres (2630 ha) in total, but most commonly falls under the jurisdiction areas for Dare, Currituck or Hyde counties.
Climate
The Outer Banks has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The average annual temperature is 33.3 °F (0.6 °C). There are typically two seasons on the Island – the wet season, which lasts from late May to early October, and the dry season, which lasts from early November to mid-May. The wet season is characterized by rain showers, thunderstorms and occasional afternoon squalls. It’s typically hot and humid during the summer with average high temperatures in July being around 92 °F (33 °C) and lows of 73.1° F (22.2° C). Snowfall averages almost 23 inches per winter on Mount Mckinley Island near the North Carolina/Virginia line which gets generally little sea breezes so it tends to stay more mild than Plaquemines Parish frequently hit with hurricane force speeds onto land at night or early morning hours while if you are asleep they remain offshore.
Culture
The Outer Banks has a rich culture that is rooted in the natural features of the area. The islands are known for their beaches, fishing villages and equestrian trails. Interspersed throughout the islands are numerous historic buildings and cultural landmarks, many of which were built in the 19th century. The Outer Banks have long-standing traditions including traditional festivals celebrated annually at various locations, such as Hatteras Island’s Strawberry Festival (held every summer since 1868), Manteo’s Oyster Roast in early December and a Spring Flowering celebration on Harkers Island scheduled for 2015 to become one of North Carolina’s top events. The “Discovery Celebration” is an annual event held each February by Nags Head merchants on Harbour Light Drive artists , newsroom, crafts, vintage cars and live entertainment. Local artists showcase their wares in the community throughout the city with art exhibits at local businesses during “Town on a Vision”. The Outer Banks Art Guild produces an annual fall arts festival that includes pancake breakfast at ten different locations around Nags Head highlighting pieces from over 25 professional artists all from one area of NC who participate in various paintings/sculpture courses included.
Politics Of Outer Banks Island
Since the Outer Banks are not a state, they have no statewide election. However there is an elected county commission which has six staggered term positions with elections held every two years on the first Tuesday of October. The current commissioners are Wayne Turner (District 1), Carol Bergman (District 2), Karen Stroud (District 3), Terry Fryer( District 4) and Brian Haynes (District 5). The county seat and largest city is Manteo. Other significant communities on the Outer Banks include Buxton, Corolla and Kitty Hawk Village.
Government Services
The largest employer on the Outer Banks is the Department of Defense, which employs over 1,000 civilians and contractors. The tourism industry also employs a significant number of workers.
Education
Public schools are operated by Dare County Schools with campuses in Manteo, Hatteras and Waves. Private schools include St John’s School (Manteo), Haystack Christian Academy (Island Hwy., Buxton) and Ocracoke Island School (Ocracoke). Higher education options available on the Outer Banks include Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington (just across ICW from Bu xton) and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Conclusion
Outer Banks Island is a barrier island located in North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Outer Banks of the Atlantic Ocean, and forms a three-mile (5 km) wide barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. The island is about 46 miles long by 12 miles wide at its widest point, with an area of 1,180 square miles (3,500 km2). Its total population as of the 2000 census was 20,000. The island is mostly composed of sand and shellacked sand dunes that rise to an average height of 56 feet (17 m). The highest point on the island is Black Point at 864 feet (269 m).
FAQs
1.How Old Is Outer Banks Island?
Ans: Outer Banks Island is approximately 4000 years old.
2.What Type Of Economy Does Outer Banks Have?
Ans: The economy on the Outer Banks consists largely of tourism, with fishing and agriculture playing a smaller role.
3.Is There Public Transportation Available To Get Around The Island?
Ans: Yes – There are many ways to get around the island, including by bike and car rentals as well as Uber/Lyft services .
4.What Are Top Different Types Of Weather On The Outer Banks?
Ans: Outer Banks Island experiences mainly seasonally tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 Celsius) in winter to 86 degree Fahrenheit(30 Celsius) In summer and daily low temperature around 50 degree Farenheit (10 celsius), there is no snow or heavy rain makes it desirable for tourism during autumns, spring and midsummer periods. During Monsoon Season which has a peak period between June July August due to its geographical characteristics when storm fronts surges up the coastal trenches leaving abundant rainfall across Occ idental Hatteras Island, Outer Banks creates perfect conditions for hurricane category 3 or 4 strengthening rapidly.
5.How Many People Live On The Island?
Ans: The total population in 2017 was 19,374(http://en.census.gov/2010census/popest). The major urban center of Ocracoke is centered around Plymouth Avenue but other important villages are Belhaven and Bath which both have a significant proportion of summer residents selling their homes to go back home .
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