Houses

Dare County, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans, including the Algonquian tribes, who lived off the land and coastal waters. European exploration and colonization began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived seeking riches and claiming the land for Spain. However, it wasn't until the mid-17th century that permanent European settlement occurred.

In the early 1600s, English settlers arrived in Dare County, marking the beginning of the colonization attempts by the Roanoke Island Colony. Led by Sir Walter Raleigh, the first group of settlers mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind only the word "Croatoan" carved into a tree. This disappearance, along with subsequent failed attempts at colonization, including the ill-fated "Lost Colony," has captivated historians and researchers ever since, and remains an unsolved mystery.

Throughout the following centuries, Dare County developed as an agricultural and fishing community, relying on the abundance of natural resources from the surrounding waters and land. The area gained prominence as a stopover for ships traveling along the coast, and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1803 to guide these ships through the treacherous Diamond Shoals.

Dare County also played a crucial role during the Civil War. The Confederate Army took control of Roanoke Island, resulting in the Battle of Roanoke Island in 1862, a significant Union victory that marked a turning point in the war. The area's beaches, including the famous Kitty Hawk, gained attention in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as vacation destinations for the wealthy.

Today, Dare County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational activities, and historical sites. The area's history, including the mystery of the Lost Colony, remains an important part of its identity, celebrated through various cultural events and attractions.