Since Beaufort is at the eastern end of the state, visitors travel through many other fascinating places relating to the people, places and events occurring on or shortly after the time Queen Anne's Revenge sank, a period known as the Carolina Proprietary era. The colony of North Carolina was in its early stages of development and almost exclusively dependent on the surrounding waters and goods being carried on ships plying coastal waters. Understanding and appreciating the state's maritime history, complete with shipwrecks and piracy, provides an important context within which to understand how Blackbeard's flagship came to end up in North Carolina. The lore of these fascinating times can be experienced in many ways throughout the state's coastal region - an experience heightened by the area's natural beauty that remain unspoiled and accessible.

While traveling to the coast it is possible to step back in time by taking the North Carolina Colonial Trail (NCCT). This trail, which consists of three segments, provides helpful suggestions and information about how and where to go to learn more about the state's early history as you make your way to Beaufort to see artifacts from Blackbeard's flagship Queen Anne's Revenge. If you do not have enough time to travel the full NCCT in one trip, we recommend any one of the segments, each of which will take a couple of days. Using our map coupled with a North Carolina road map, select the segment(s) that best serves your purpose and the time you have to spend in the Tar Heel State.

 

To complete the entire NCCT, starting from either end will take about a week at a leisurely pace. Coming from either direction, Charleston or Williamsburg would certainly be appropriate places to start given their close association with Blackbeard just before and just after his time in colonial North Carolina. The Northern or Southern segments start at their respective ends of the state and take you to the central destination (Beaufort/Cape Lookout/Bogue Banks). Here you can take the Central segment loop, return to the Beaufort area and continue on with the other segment to its end. If you complete the trail you will eventually have traveled approximately 500 miles. Visitors from the central and western part of the state can easily tie into the trail using the Central segment at New Bern or Washington, NC and then head north or south. In each of the three sections, the central destination - the Cape Lookout area, from Harker's Island to Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium, - has been provided. If you combine any of the trail sections you should disregard the repeat listings.

Welcome to eastern North Carolina please travel safe.

At the completion of the NCCT you will have gained a much keener understanding of the life and times of the early days of historic Carolina. Your destinations will have included:

9 - 17th and 18th centuries' historic town and gravesites
9 - First-class regional museums
7 - State historic sites
5 - Ferry rides across waters once heavily traveled by wooden sailing ships.
4 - Lighthouses
1 - World-class state-owned aquarium
1 - Expansive public library archive
1 - Underwater archaeology pavilion
1 - Estuarium
Numerous - Walking tours, excellent restaurants, cozy bed and breakfast inns, beautiful beaches, and panoramic coastal scenes.

 

 

Beginning at the Virginia line take US 17 South, skirting the Great Dismal Swamp, to US 158 and then on to:

Elizabeth City on the Pasquotank River - Settled in the 1650's, this city has been named one of "The Best 100 Small Towns in America" and has what they call a "Main Street river community" (252-335-5330)

 

 

See the Museum of the Albemarle, a regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History.(252-335-1453)

Continue on US 17 and at Hertford take Harvey Point Road to:

Visit the Historic Edenton State Historic Site. Guided walking tours and trolley tours are available. (252-482-2637)

Take NC 32 out of Edenton to US 64 East to:

Manteo, the site of the Lost Colony - Founded in 1899, Manteo has the feel of a much older town. Perhaps it is the prevalence of Old World style buildings that line the town's quiet streets that evoke the Elizabethan era. Or maybe it is the replica of a 16th century sailing vessel anchored in its harbor. Or it could be that the town's namesake is a 400 year-old Native American who assisted the original colonists way back when. Regardless, this town has a real sense of history that transcends its 100 year-old birth certificate. (252-473-2133)

 Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, (252-473-5772) and Elizabethan Gardens (252-473-3244). While there catch a performance at the Lost Colony outdoor drama. (June-August) (1-800-488- 5012)
At Roanoke Island Festival Park you will find the Elizabeth II, a sixty-nine foot sailing vessel, an authentic representation of the sixteenth century ship, Elizabeth, one of the seven merchant ships bringing settlers to the new world.

Outer Banks History Center, is a regional archives and research library administered by the North Carolina State Archives (Department of Cultural Resources) with the mission of collecting and preserving the history and culture of the North Carolina coast. (252-473-2655)
At the North Carolina Maritime Museum's Manteo Branch, you will experience the workings of a traditional boat shop in The George Washington Creef Boathouse. (252-475-1500)

Continue on US 64 and US 264 to Whalebone where confronted by the Atlantic Ocean you will turn south on NC 12 into Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Cross over the beautiful, mile long Bonner Bridge at Oregon Inlet and on to:

 

Rodanthe at Milepost 39- to see the Chicamacomico Historic Site. This site served for years as a life saving station for ships in distress. Five buildings are opened to the public. (252-987-1552)

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, at 208 feet, is the tallest lighthouse in America and it is one of North Carolina's seven lighthouses, on this trail.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum (252-986-2995) with its shipwreck displays.
Catch the thirty-minute ferry ride to Ocracoke Island (1-800-368-8949) [No reservations taken - first come, first serve].

Continue on NC 12 to:

Visit the Ocracoke Preservation Society , which is located in the David Williams house and features island history. (252-928-7375)
See the Ocracoke Lighthouse which was constructed by Massachusetts's builder Noah Porter and finished in 1823.
Stroll through the British Cemetery where shipwrecked sailors were buried after their vessel was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1942.
Catch the approximately two and one-half hour ferry ride across Pamlico Sound to Cedar Island. (Reservations needed 1-800-856-0343).

Continue on NC 12 to US 70 and turn right onto Harker's Island Road, then proceed to:

Return to US 70 and continue south and west to:

Beaufort, the "old section" of the North Carolina Central Coast - Laid out by 1713, Beaufort is the county seat of Carteret County, also known as the Crystal Coast. It has been important as a seaport since the time of Blackbeard and today is the home of the Beaufort Historical Association and a popular destination on the Atlantic coast. As the third oldest North Carolina town, Beaufort has a twelve-block National Historic District. Check in at the Beafort Historic Association to learn about Historic Homes and the old burying grounds. (800-575-7483)

The NC Maritime Museum is home for North Carolina maritime exhibits including many of the artifacts recovered from what is believed to be Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. (252-728-7317)

The Rachel Carson Reserve Site near Beaufort looks very different than Blackbeard would have experienced it in his trek through the area. Since then, this extensive marsh/tidal flat area has been built up by dredge deposition to help stabilize local waterways. It now has new elevated habitats such as upland/scrub forest areas that are home to many mammals such as gray fox and raccoons. This Reserve site is easily accessible to the public to enjoy this natural area via boat/water taxi from Beaufort. Summer public field trips are lead by interpretive volunteers, check the web site for contact information.

From Beaufort, take US 70 West to Morehead City; take a left across the Atlantic Beach Causeway Bridge to:

Bogue Banks the outer island on the west side of Beaufort Inlet - Bogue Banks embraces five townships that often seem to blend together. Atlantic Beach is at the far eastern end of the island and borders the town of Pine Knoll Shores. Indian Beach surrounds the small, unincorporated community of Salter Path, and Emerald Isle is at the far western end of the island. Each town has its own personality, points of interest and governing body.

 

 

From Fort Macon, take NC 58 West to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

This ends the Northern Segment.

From this point you can:

Link to the NCCT Southern Segment - For this option continue west on NC58 to the end of the island and over the high-rise bridge to Cape Carteret. Turn left on Highway 24 that leads to the northern end of the Southern trail at Swansboro.

Or

Link to the NCCT Central Segment at New Bern - For this option get on NC 58 East and travel back over the Atlantic Beach Causeway Bridge to US 70 West toward Havelock and then on to New Bern.

From the South Carolina line, take US 17 to NC 211 at Supply to:

Southport at the mouth of the Cape Fear River - Built on the site of colonial Fort Johnston (constructed 1748-1764), the town was founded in 1792 and originally named [Smithville] for General Benjamin Smith . The town's history, however, predates its own creation. The Indian Trail Tree in Keziah Memorial Park is estimated to be over 800 years old, and served as a landmark for the Cape Fear Indians. Bonnet's Creek was a haven for Stede Bonnet, The "Gentleman Pirate", who operated in the area and was captured in the harbor during the 'Battle of the Sand Bar' in 1718. (800-457-6964)

Bald Head Woods Reserve Site is home to old live oak trees that have been around probably since Blackbeard first visited the Carolinas. Here you will also find Cabbage palms, the northern-most range of palm trees. The Woods are only accessible by ferry to Bald Head Island. You will notice, while visiting, that development on the island has been sensitive to keeping many of the old oak trees, keeping the maritime forest less susceptible to salt spray die off of plants lower in the maritime forest canopy.

Don't miss the North Carolina Maritime Museum Southport Branch which tells the story of Stede Bonnet and covers the maritime history of the lower Cape Fear region. (910-457-0003)
Cross the bridge onto Oak Island and visit the Oak Island Lighthouse, which flashes the newest and most powerful beam of all American lighthouses.

Head north on NC 133 approximately ten miles to SR1529 and follow signs to:

Brunswick Town - The quiet, picturesque site on the banks of the Cape Fear River has an amazing past. In 1726 Maurice Moore, the son of a former South Carolina governor, founded the port town. North Carolina was a colony of England, and the town was named Brunswick to honor George I, the king of England, who was a native of Brunswick, Germany.

 

At Brunswick Town Historic Site - step back in time as you enjoy walking among the remains from Brunswick's earliest days that were unearthed by archaeologists working in the 1950's and 1960's. The most visible structure is the hulk of St. Philip's Anglican Church with its surviving walls dating back to 1754. Cannon on display that was recovered from the river in 1986 and is believed to be from the Spanish ship Fortuna, which blew up in the river as the towns people regained control of the port. (910-371-6613)
Also located amidst the colonial ruins of Brunswick Town are the Civil War fortifications of Ft. Anderson. Another interesting foundation located nearby Brunswick Town and also part of the state historic site is Russellborough, an old sea captain's house that was used by royal governors William Tryon and Arthur Dobbs.

Take the ferry across the Cape Fear River to:

Fort Fisher, Civil War fortification - While this area is rightly dominated by the important role it played as the largest and most important earthwork fortification in the South during the American Civil War, its history extends back to the proprietary period. Because of narrowness separating the ocean and river, it served as a 'haulover' where goods could be offloaded and transferred without having to go around the Cape Fear shoals. (910-458-5538)

 

Zeke's Island Reserve Site was a very different area in the Cape Fear River before it was jettied in the late 1800s post civil war to stop shoaling. Here, over time, many inlets have opened and filled during storms on the ocean side, and currently there are no openings to the sea, only the changing flow from the nearby river. The jetty is a very dangerous place for anyone thinking about crossing to the smaller islands south, as it is very old and unstable, as well as subject to flooding by tides coming in the mouth of the Cape Fear River nearby. Visitors should enjoy the shallow embayment from their kayaks, small sailboats and canoes.

In addition to Civil War features, Fort Fisher State Historic Park also has foundations from an early lighthouse and in-ground evidence of houses occupied by 18th century pilots and fishermen.
On the grounds of Fort Fisher State Historic Park are the headquarters of the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology Branch. Visit their exhibit pavilion and learn about the many underwater discoveries from Native Americans to 20th century watercraft. (910-458-9042)

Take US 421 to:

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, the area's largest and oldest museum features exhibits that reflect the region's past, from pre-history through the 20th Century. The museum also has revolving exhibits such as the one on The Feast of Pirates. (910-341-4350)
The North Carolina Room of the New Hanover County Library is a great place to spend an afternoon searching out early maps of the coast and conducting genealogy on your Carolina ancestors. The William M. Reaves Collection offers extensive subject and family files. (910-798-6305)

Swansboro on the White Oak River - Swansboro's history began around 1730, when the first permanent settlement was established on the former site of an Algonquin Indian village at the mouth of the White Oak River. In 1783, the colonial port town of Swannsborough was incorporated in honor of Samuel Swann, former speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons. (910-326-1174)

 

Near the White Oak river bridge in downtown, find the statue of Otway Burns, one of America's leading privateers during the War of 1812.
Walk the waterfront of the "Friendly City by the Sea" and imagine what it must have been like in years gone by when Carolinians relied on the sea for food, transportation, news, and vital supplies.

From Swansboro continue on NC 24 to Cape Carteret and then turn right onto NC 58 East over the high-rise bridge to Emerald Isle and onto:

Bogue Banks the outer island on the west side of Beaufort Inlet - Bogue Banks embraces five townships that often seem to blend together. Atlantic Beach is at the far eastern end of the island and borders the town of Pine Knoll Shores. Indian Beach surrounds the small, unincorporated community of Salter Path, and Emerald Isle is at the far western end of the island. Each town has its own personality, points of interest and governing body.

 

 

Take NC 58 East to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (252-247-4003).

The North Carolina Aquarium has recently undergone a two-year, $23 million renovation, and features a 50,000-gallon tank with a replica of the shipwreck remains of Queen Anne's Revenge shipwreck site, just as it was found in 1996. (252-247-4003)

Tour Fort Macon, built in 1834 to guard Beaufort Inlet. As a young West Point engineer, Governor Robert E. Lee, designed its stone jetties, which are still in use. (252-726-3775)
If you look roughly south southwest toward the ocean, you will be looking in the direction of the Queen Anne's Revenge shipwreck site. It lies one mile out in Beaufort Inlet in twenty-three feet of water. A white buoy, a smaller version of the channel buoys, marks the shipwreck site, which is a declared protected area off limits to unauthorized anchoring or diving. Archaeologists estimate that at least ninety percent of its artifacts have yet to be recovered.

From here take Ft. Macon Road south and then onto NC 58 East and over the Atlantic Beach Causeway Bridge to US 70 East through Morehead City to:

Beaufort, the "old section" of the North Carolina Central Coast - Laidout by 1713, Beaufort is the county seat of Carteret County, also known as the Crystal Coast. It has been important as a seaport since the time of Blackbeard and today is the home of the Beaufort Historical Association and a popular destination on the Atlantic coast. As the third oldest North Carolina town, Beaufort has a twelve-block National Historic District. Check in at the Beafort Historic Association to learn about Historic Homes and the old burying grounds. (800-575-7483)

The NC Maritime Museum is home for North Carolina maritime exhibits including many of the artifacts recovered from what is believed to be Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. (252-728-7317)

The Rachel Carson Reserve Site near Beaufort looks very different than Blackbeard would have experienced it in his trek through the area. Since then, this extensive marsh/tidal flat area has been built up by dredge deposition to help stabilize local waterways. It now has new elevated habitats such as upland/scrub forest areas that are home to many mammals such as gray fox and raccoons. This Reserve site is easily accessible to the public to enjoy this natural area via boat/water taxi from Beaufort. Summer public field trips are lead by interpretive volunteers, check the web site for contact information.

Leave Beaufort on US 70 east to :

Harker's Island - Appearing as Davers Island on the Historic Smith map
(1624), this area was believed to be the home of Manteo who befriended the Roanoke Colonists in 1587.

 

 

The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center features the natural and cultural history of the region. (252-728-1500)
Cape Lookout National Seashore where private ferries are available to the cape and where you will find the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and its unspoiled beaches that have remained unchanged since colonial days. (252-728-2250)

This ends the Southern Segment

From this point you can:

Continue north on US70 and link with NCCT North Segment at the southern end reversing the order provided for that segment.

Or

Link up with NCCT Central Segment by returning to US 70 and going back to Beaufort where you will take NC 101 north to NC 306 toward Bath via the Minnesott Beach and Bayview ferries reversing the order provided for that segment.

Or

Link to the NCCT Central Segment at New Bern - For this option get on NC 58 East and travel back over the Atlantic Beach Causeway Bridge to US 70 West toward Havelock and then on to New Bern.

This segment is a loop and can be picked up approaching from the west at New Bern (US 70) or Washington (US264). Since New Bern is the closet point to Morehead City and the terminus of both the Northern and Southern Segments we'll begin in:

New Bern, the second oldest town in North Carolina - is situated where the Trent and Neuse Rivers meet. - New Bern, settled in 1710, abounds with history around every corner with over 150 historic landmarks, the magnificent Tryon Palace, Birthplace of Pepsi and a 157,000-acre national forest. (800-437-5767)

 

 

Visit Tryon Palace built in 1765 as family quarters and British Royal offices for Provincial Governor William Tryon. It holds 7,000 pieces of art and eighteenth and nineteenth century American and English antiques.(800-767-1560)
The New Bern Heritage Tours Series features 4 distinct categories: Churches & Cemeteries, Historic Homes, Civil War, and African-American Heritage. (800-437-5767)

From New Bern, take US 17 to:

Washington, N.C. - Founded on the Tar and Pamlico rivers in the 1770's, "Forks of the Tar" would change its name to Washington in 1776, becoming America's first town named after General George Washington. (800-999-3857)

 

 

 

Visit the NC Estuarium to learn about the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system, the second largest in the nation. (252-948-0000)

From Washington, take a side trip on NC 92 to:

Historic Bath State Historic Site highlights the early history of the town and features archaeological investigations of the John Lawson house and other proprietary buildings (252-923-3971).

From Bath continue on NC 92 east until you reach NC 306 south which will take a ferry at Bayview and another ferry at Minnesott beach (no reservations needed) and across the mouths of the Pamlico and Neuse Rivers. As two of North Carolina's major waterways, they served as major shipping arteries from colonial North Carolina. Continue south to NC 101 and when you arrive at Beaufort and US 70 head east until you come to Harker's Island Road. Take this until you arrive on:

Harker's Island - Appearing as Davers Island on the Historic Smith map (1624), this area was believed to be the home of Manteo who befriended the Roanoke Colonists in 1587.

 

The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center features the natural and cultural history of the region. (252-728-1500)
Cape Lookout National Seashore where private ferries are available to the cape and where you will find the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and its unspoiled beaches that have remained unchanged since colonial days. (252-728-2250)

Beaufort, the "old section" of the North Carolina Central Coast - Laid out by 1713, Beaufort is the county seat of Carteret County, also known as the Crystal Coast. It has been important as a seaport since the time of Blackbeard and today is the home of the Beaufort Historical Association and a popular destination on the Atlantic coast. As the third oldest North Carolina town, Beaufort has a twelve-block National Historic District. Check in at the Beafort Historic Association to learn about Historic Homes and the old burying grounds. (800-575-7483)

The NC Maritime Museum is home for North Carolina maritime exhibits including many of the artifacts recovered from what is believed to be Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. (252-728-7317)

The Rachel Carson Reserve Site near Beaufort looks very different than Blackbeard would have experienced it in his trek through the area. Since then, this extensive marsh/tidal flat area has been built up by dredge deposition to help stabilize local waterways. It now has new elevated habitats such as upland/scrub forest areas that are home to many mammals such as gray fox and raccoons. This Reserve site is easily accessible to the public to enjoy this natural area via boat/water taxi from Beaufort. Summer public field trips are lead by interpretive volunteers, check the web site for contact information.

From Beaufort, take US 70 West to Morehead City, take a left across the Atlantic Beach Causeway Bridge to:

Tour Fort Macon, built in 1834 to guard Beaufort Inlet. As a young West Point engineer, Governor Robert E. Lee, designed its stone jetties, which are still in use. (252-726-3775)
If you look roughly south southwest toward the ocean, you will be looking in the direction of the Queen Anne's Revenge shipwreck site. It lies one mile out in Beaufort Inlet in twenty-three feet of water. A white buoy, a smaller version of the channel buoys, marks the shipwreck site, which is a declared protected area off limits to unauthorized anchoring or diving. Archaeologists estimate that at least ninety percent of its artifacts have yet to be recovered.

From Fort Macon, take NC 58 West to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

From this point you can:

Complete the NCCT Central Segment by heading back on NC 58 East and back over the Atlantic Beach Causeway Bridge to US 70 West toward Havelock and then on to New Bern.

Or

Begin the NCCT Northern Segment by retracing your steps to Beaufort, then head back on NC 58 East and over the Atlantic Beach Causeway Bridge to US 70 East to Beaufort, and begin at the southern end, reversing the direction provided for that segment.

Or

Continue south and link into the NCCT Southern Segment by continuing west on 58 to the end of the island and over the high-rise bridge to Cape Carteret. Turn left on Highway 24 that leads to the northern end of the Southern trail at Swansboro and reverse the direction provided for that segment.