Lost Colony TavernPost, July 24, 2022 - 9:04am

Legends & Folklore of the Outer Banks,
Part One: THE NAG’S HEAD

Local legend tells of the Carolina "bankers" who operated near present-day Nags Head, North Carolina, who were known for pirating wrecks and murdering their passengers & crews. When the sea did not serve up wrecks for their plunder, they lured ships onto the shoals. On stormy nights, the bankers would hobble a horse, tie a lantern around the animal's neck, and walk it up and down the beach. Sailors at sea could not distinguish the bobbing light they saw from that of a ship which was anchored securely. Often they steered toward shore to find shelter. Instead, they became wrecked on the banks, after which their crews & passengers were killed.

Local artist Britton Ricketts has captured the tale of “The Lantern & The Nag” in the first of our new series of designs available for sale as autographed prints, stickers, and t-shirts in our new “Hop Shop” retail store. The design features the legendary nag being led along the dunes of Nags Head by John Borden of the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke. Drop by the tavern or call us to get this amazing art design for yourself!