Ocracoke Inlet facts for kids
The Ocracoke Inlet is a watery passage located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, United States. It separates two islands: Ocracoke Island and Portsmouth Island. This inlet connects the big Atlantic Ocean to the calmer Pamlico Sound. It's like a doorway between the ocean and the sound.
The inlet is also the southern end of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the northern end of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. It's about two miles wide, but its size can change a little bit every day!
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A Look Back: The History of Ocracoke Inlet
Ocracoke Inlet was one of the very first waterways used by early settlers in North Carolina's Outer Banks. In 1585, a group of colonists traveled through it to reach Roanoke Island.
This inlet quickly became super important for bringing goods to the mainland. It was especially vital for towns like New Bern and Bath.
Famous Pirate Battle at Teach's Hole
A famous event happened here involving the pirate Captain Blackbeard. He was killed in a battle just inside the inlet on November 22, 1718. This spot later became known as Teach's Hole.
Ocracoke Inlet During the American Revolution
During the American Revolutionary War, many supplies for General George Washington's Continental Army came through this inlet. It was so important that a town was built on the southern island, Portsmouth Island. This town worked with the town of Ocracoke to the north.
At one time, Portsmouth Island was the most crowded place on the entire Outer Banks. However, after the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846, new inlets like Hatteras Inlet and Oregon Inlet opened. Ocracoke Inlet then lost its main importance. The water also became too shallow for large commercial boats. These boats then started using deeper inlets instead.
Ocracoke Inlet Today: What It's Used For
Today, Ocracoke Inlet is still very active. Commercial fishermen and people who fish for sport use the inlet to get to the Atlantic Ocean. Many pleasure boats also use the inlet to reach Ocracoke Village and the Inner Banks.
The National Hurricane Center also uses Ocracoke Inlet. It serves as a key location for issuing tropical cyclone watches and warnings. This helps people know when a big storm might be coming.
