Beacon Island, North Carolina facts for kids

Beacon Island is a small, important island located in the Ocracoke Inlet in Carteret County, North Carolina. It's part of Portsmouth Township in North Carolina. This island has a rich history, serving as a trading spot long ago and even playing a role in the American Civil War. Today, it's known as a special place for birds.

Beacon Island's History

Beacon Island has been a significant place for a long time. In the late 1700s, it was part of a busy trading port. Ships would come and go, bringing goods and people.

Civil War Fort

During the American Civil War, Beacon Island became a military site. The Confederate Army built a fort there called Fort Ocracoke. This fort was important for defending the area. It helped protect the inlet from enemy ships.

Shrinking Island: Erosion

Over many years, Beacon Island has been getting smaller. This is due to something called erosion. Erosion happens when natural forces like wind and water wear away the land.

How Big Was Beacon Island?

In the 1700s, Beacon Island was much larger. It measured about 20 acres. To give you an idea, an acre is roughly the size of a football field without the end zones. But by 2014, the island had shrunk to only about 7.5 acres. This shows how powerful erosion can be.

A Home for Birds

As of 2016, Beacon Island is owned by Audubon North Carolina. This organization works to protect birds and their habitats. They turned the island into a special bird refuge.

Bird Life on the Island

Beacon Island used to be home to a very large group of pelicans. These big birds are known for their huge pouches under their beaks. However, in 2014, a strong storm called Hurricane Arthur hit the island. The hurricane caused a lot of damage. After the storm, the pelicans left Beacon Island.

Today, you can still find many other types of birds on the island. These include herons, egrets, gulls, and terns. They all rely on the island as a safe place to rest and raise their young. Protecting places like Beacon Island is important for these amazing birds.