Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Portsmouth Island, NC

Last inhabited in 1971, Portsmouth village draws its families and friends back for a biennial homecoming. From Ocracoke, the abandoned Portsmouth village is accessible by private passenger ferry. The oldest of 20 buildings dates to the late 18th century. The town prospered from shipping, fishing, salvage, and life-saving for two centuries. Hatteras Inlet’s deeper opening in 1846 led to a long decline. Visitors can enter a dwelling, a church and the life-saving station.