Driving to Ocracoke

Seven years ago Tommy Drake, grandson of Capt. Gary Bragg, showed me a mid-1950s paper with directions for getting to Ocracoke.

Click to enlarge

Four ways "To Get There" are detailed:

1. Mailboat from Atlantic, N.C.
2. Mailtruck via ferry from Hatteras, N.C.
3. Freight boat (weekly) from Washington, N.C.
4. Charter plane by arrangement, from Beaufort, Buxton, Manteo, or Washington, N.C.

You may have noticed that driving one's own vehicle from Hatteras is not included. The paper even includes these words, in parentheses: "Don't let yourself be persuaded to attempt the trip in your own car unless you know what your are doing."!!

Below is the "Special Note About Driving to Ocracoke in Private Car":

"The State of North Carolina is about to begin construction of a paved road on Ocracoke Island, but this will scarcely be finished in time for the 1956 season. When this road is finished, it will be possible for you to drive your own car via the Hatteras Inlet ferry all the way to Ocracoke. Until then, it is very hazardous to attempt to bring your own car south of Hatteras. Only drivers experienced in sand driving, or with four-wheel-drive vehicles, willing to deflate their tires to 15 pounds or less, should attempt the stretch on Ocracoke Island. There are 11 miles of deep sandy trail, with no road, no markers, and ho inhabitants, between the ferry and Ocracoke Village. If you do attempt it, be sure to get advice in Hatteras from the Ocracoke mail carrier, who drives the route daily, as to the state of the tides, beach, etc."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the Ocracoke Lighthouse, with information (and an artist's sketch) about the earliest lantern room. You can read the Newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/ocracoke-lighthouse/.