History of Outer Banks in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 9, 2026

The Outer Banks are a 200-mile chain of barrier islands and spits located off the coast of North Carolina and southeastern Virginia on the East Coast of the United States. These islands run along the majority of the North Carolina coastline. They act as a divider between the Currituck, Albemarle, and Pamlico Sounds and the Atlantic Ocean.

December 1903: Wright Brothers' First Flight

In December 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright flew their Wright Flyer for 12 seconds on the dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, achieving 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 flight at Kill Devil Hills.

1930: Wright Memorial Bridge Built

In 1930, the Wright Memorial Bridge, the oldest bridge 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 and William B. Umstead Bridge

In 1966, both the Wright Memorial Bridge and the William B. Umstead Bridge underwent rehabilitation.

2002: Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge Completed

In 2002, the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge was completed, carrying US 64 Bypass between Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island.

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 Off Hatteras Island

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

2011: Hurricane Irene

In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused significant destruction to infrastructure and property in the Outer Banks.

2012: Start of Bridge Maintenance and Disaster Repair Period

Between 2012 and 2022, the Department of Transportation spent significant amounts on bridge maintenance and disaster repairs on the Outer Banks.

2014: Erosion on Hatteras Island

As of 2014, portions of Hatteras Island were at 25% of their original width due to erosion.

2015: Sea Level Rise

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

2017: Previous Nourishment Dredging Project

In 2017, a similar nourishment dredging project occurred in the same area.

2022: End of Bridge Maintenance and Disaster Repair Period

Between 2012 and 2022, the Department of Transportation spent $9,592,745.55 on bridge maintenance, and disaster repairs cost $33,546,190.58.

2022: Start of 2022-2023 Fiscal Year

During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, tax revenue supplied $16,325,384 to beach nourishment in the area.

2023: Dare County Revenue

In 2023, Dare County surpassed $2.15 billion in revenue, enabling high tax relief for its citizens and securing 4th place in visitor spending in North Carolina.

2023: USDA Hardiness Zone Revision

In 2023, many parts of the northern Outer Banks were moved into zone 9a in the USDA hardiness zone revision.

2023: Nourishment Dredging Project

In 2023, the counties of Duck and Dare conducted a nourishment dredging project spanning 1.7 miles, using 550,000 cubic yards of sand to combat erosion.

2026: Planned Bridge Construction

Construction of a new 7-mile long bridge connecting Currituck County to the Outer Banks is planned to begin in 2026 to alleviate traffic congestion during evacuations and summer months.