This part of the world was once a very dangerous place for the ships that traveled across our waters, many of them ending up a statistical shipwreck resting on the ocean’s floor, hence the nickname it earned, The Graveyard of the Atlantic. Lighthouses helped make the area safer, and Life Saving Stations such as the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, were facilities created to help those in distress at sea, lessening the number of casualties. Today, lighthouses still stand and often still provide a helpful beam, but navigation equipment has made it easier to pass through this region safely and the Coast Guard has taken over the helping people in distress. The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station has become a museum that you can visit during your stay in our Lighthouse View retreats on Cape Hatteras.
Located at 23645 North Carolina Highway 12 in Rodanthe
Established in 1874, the station consists of two remaining structures, a cookhouse, stable, and cistern, offering fascinating glimpse into a different time in life. It was the first of seven built in North Carolina, and much of its equipment, medals, and other artifacts are still in place, telling the stories of the brave men who worked there and the lives they saved. Each room tells a different story, and the self-guided tour lets visitors explore at their own pace. One room may tell the story of the 10 victims rescued from the barkentine Priscilla (a type of sailing ship) in 1899, another room offers the legacy of how the men of Chicamacomico rescued 42 sailors from a British tanker that had been struck by a torpedo by a German U-boat, and still another may just feature the equipment that was once essential when it came to saving people’s lives. And whether you are a fan of the military, of “first responders,” or just love history in general, the Life-Saving Station promises to be one of your favorite Cape Hatteras adventures.
Open Monday Through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum is closed on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, so if you are a summer visitor, you will want to save your visit for a Tuesday. Ticket prices range from free (kids under 4) to $10 (General Admission) with discounts offered to children, seniors, and families.
Come Home to Lighthouse View
When you are sitting out on the balcony of your Cape Hatteras retreat, staring out at the sea, you will be glad you chose our sanctuaries for your accommodations. Reserve your favorite property with us today!
