Long before America officially declared independence in 1776, Roanoke Island shaped American history as the location for England’s first attempts to establish a permanent settlement in the New World.
Since then, the Outer Banks has been home to a rich history of coastal exploration, war, maritime traditions, African-American history and iconic firsts, including, famously, the world’s first flight by the Wright brothers in what is now Kill Devil Hills in 1903. Other notable firsts include Reginald Fessenden’s first wireless transmission of musical notes between Buxton and Roanoke Island in 1903, the nation’s first all-black U.S. Lifesaving Service crew at Pea Island, the establishment of the nation’s first national seashore and so many more. As a place where so much landmark history has unfolded, you’ll often hear Dare County (in which most of the Outer Banks is located) referred to as the Land of Beginnings.
What better place is there to join in on the celebrations of this year’s nationwide milestone: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence? With counties, communities and citizens across the country preparing for America’s Semiquincentennial, better known as America 250 or A250, Dare County is all in on the celebrations.
Dare County’s year-long initiative honors the Outer Banks’ role in the American story. More than a series of patriotic events, Dare County’s A250 commemoration invites residents and visitors to explore the Outer Banks through the lens of American history and to celebrate our cultural history and community.
The Dare A250 planning committee is coordinating local participation along with America 250 NC, the statewide commemoration organized by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as part of the national U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. Learn about North Carolina history and find events throughout the state at america250.nc.gov.
“We’re excited to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary here in Dare County, where history runs deep,” says Dorothy Hester, Dare County public information director. “It has been inspiring to see such strong community involvement and enthusiasm from the Dare A250 committee and many partners and volunteers helping bring these events and initiatives to life. There will be opportunities and experiences throughout the year that offer something for everyone.”
Dare A250 has several interactive initiatives. One highlight is the Land of Beginnings Dare A250 GIS Map. The digital map high lights 28 historic sites across Dare County, allowing users to explore significant locations and read about the events that occurred there. Access the Land of Beginnings Dare A250 GIS Map at gis.darecountync.gov/a250.
In addition, A250 has launched lessons, projects, an essay contest, a student art exhibit and more with Dare County Schools.
A250 Events on the Outer Banks
You'll find numerous Dare A250-themed celebrations on the Outer Banks this year. Keep watching darea250.org/events as more events will be coming online throughout the spring.
Dare A250 Faire: Liberty, Legacy & Liftoff in the Land of Beginnings
Saturday, April 18
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Downtown Manteo
3:30 to 7 p.m., Roanoke Island Festival Park
Expect live music, food and drink, family-friendly activities, historical storytelling, artisan vendors and displays highlighting local heritage. While the daytime festivities in Downtown Manteo are open to all, free tickets will be required for the evening performance at Roanoke
Family Fun Times at Dowdy Park
Tuesday, June 30, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Dowdy Park, Nags Head
Patriotic-themed kids’ crafts
Summer Concert at Dowdy Park: Featuring SOULone
Wednesday, July 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Dowdy Park, Nags Head
Live music and a patriotic sing-along with the audience
Americana Farmer's Market at Dowdy Park
Thursday, July 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dowdy Park, Nags Head
A special Americana-themed market highlights local vendors, crafts and flavors
Independence Day Events
Friday & Saturday, July 3-4, Various Locations
From patriotic parades to community gatherings and fireworks, the Outer Banks shines for the Fourth of July with celebrations across Dare County. Expect classic festivities, including the Island Farm Independence Day Celebration in Manteo and local festivities in towns big and small.
Town of Duck 4th of July Parade and Community Celebration
Friday, July 3, 9 to 11 a.m., Town of Duck
A one-mile patriotic parade
Kids Move More at Dowdy Park
Friday, July 3, 9 to 10 a.m., Dowdy Park, Nags Head
Colonial-style games for children
4 on the 4th Run/Walk
Saturday, July 4, 7 to 10 a.m., Kinnakeet Shores, Avon
A long-standing Independence Day tradition, this scenic run/walk is held in Avon.
Independence Day Celebrations at Island Farm
Saturday, July 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Island Farm, Manteo
Step back in time to the 1850s with historic demonstrations, traditional games, musket fire and period interpretations at Island Farm.
Fourth of July Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 4, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Avon
The Outer Banks’ traditional Fourth of July fireworks shows will take on special meaning during the A250 celebrations.
10th Annual OBX Brewtag
Saturday, October 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Soundside Event Site, Nags Head
OBX Brewtag caps off the Dare A250 season with crowd-favorite engineering and flight competitions along with beer, food and music.
A250 Passport Program
Discover 13 historic Outer Banks sites spotlighting pivotal moments in local and national history. At each site on the self-guided tour, you can scan QR codes to collect digital stamps and learn more about each place. Sites span from the northern beaches to Roanoke Island and Hatteras Island. Learn more about the A250 Passport Program at darea250.org/passport.
Southern Shores
- Flat Tops of Southern Shores
Kitty Hawk
- Icarus Monument to a Century of Flight
Kill Devil Hills
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
Nags Head
- Jennette’s Pier
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
Manteo/Roanoke Island
- Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
- Pea Island Cookhouse
- Island Farm
Wanchese
- Bethany Church
East Lake
- Buffalo City
Rodanthe
- Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
Hatteras Village
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Learn more at DareA250.org
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
