History of Outer Banks in Timeline

The Outer Banks are a 200-mile chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina and Virginia, forming a significant portion of the North Carolina coastline. They separate several sounds from the Atlantic Ocean and are a major tourist destination celebrated for their extensive beaches and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This area is a key biodiversity zone, featuring ecosystems like beach grasses and shrubland crucial for maintaining the islands' land structure.

December 1903: Wright Brothers' First Flight

In December 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright from Dayton, Ohio flew their Wright Flyer for 12 seconds on the dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, marking the first heavier-than-air flight in recorded history.

December 17, 1903: Wright brothers' first flight

On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers achieved the first controlled, powered, heavier-than-air vehicle flight at Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks.

1930: Wright Memorial Bridge built

In 1930, the Wright Memorial Bridge, the oldest of the three state highway bridges connecting the Outer Banks to the mainland, was built.

1957: William B. Umstead Bridge built

In 1957, the William B. Umstead Bridge, the second oldest bridge connecting the Outer Banks to the mainland, was built.

1966: Rehabilitation of Wright Memorial Bridge and William B. Umstead Bridge

In 1966, the Wright Memorial Bridge, originally built in 1930, and the William B. Umstead Bridge, originally built in 1957, were rehabilitated.

2002: Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge completed

In 2002, the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, the newest bridge connecting the Outer Banks to the mainland, was completed.

September 18, 2003: Hurricane Isabel cuts Hatteras Island

On September 18, 2003, Hurricane Isabel cut Hatteras Island in half, creating a 2,000-foot-wide channel called Isabel Inlet through Hatteras Village.

2011: Hurricane Irene cuts Hatteras Island again

In 2011, Hatteras Island was cut off once again by Hurricane Irene, limiting access to boat only until a temporary bridge was built.

2011: Hurricane Irene

In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused significant damage to infrastructure and property in the Outer Banks, contributing to existing coastal erosion.

2014: Erosion on Hatteras Island

As of 2014, portions of Hatteras Island had eroded to 25% of their original width, highlighting the impact of coastal erosion.

2015: Sea level rise

From 2011 to 2015, sea levels rose 5 inches in some locations on the Outer Banks, exacerbating coastal erosion.

Mentioned in this timeline

Virginia officially the Commonwealth of Virginia is a state located...

Hawks are birds of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae...

September is the ninth month of the year in the...