Don't miss a thing on the Outer Banks this week

With its two stations and five outbuildings, Chicamacomico (pronounced chik a ma COM i co) is the most complete site of remaining life-saving stations in North Carolina and one of the nation’s most complete sites. This site is located on Hatteras Island in the village of Rodanthe on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Our purpose is to restore, preserve, protect, educate and interpret the rich history of these valiant men and their dedication to the U.S. Life-Saving Service, as well as interpreting the history of the buildings and artifacts. We are open to the public from mid-April through November, and provide our visitors with tours, programs, reenactments and special events.

Chicamacomico is a very Special Place!

  • It sits at the most eastern point in North Carolina.
  • It the largest, most complete USLSS complex in the nation.
  • One of the few USLSS sites in the nation with all its original buildings.
  • All buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • One of 39 destinations listed by the Outer Banks Scenic Byways.
  • Has one of only two 1874 USLSS stations in the nation open to the public.
  • Was the first operational station in North Carolina.
  • Now the only USLSS site in the state open to the public as a museum.
  • Is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in no government budget.
  • Is the only place anywhere to regularly perform the full Beach Apparatus Drill…and most importantly,
  • … The scene of the most highly-awarded maritime rescue in American history! (SS Mirlo,August 16, 1918).

The Chicamacomico Historical Association is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization who’s purpose is to restore, preserve and interpret the buildings and history of Chicamacomico Life- Saving Station, as well as the U.S. Life-Saving Service and its successor, the U.S. Coast Guard on the Outer Banks. The Association owns and operates the museum site and the museum shop and raises its own funds. 100% of all admission fees, gift shop purchases, memberships, and donations go directly to the preservation, restoration, and operation of this historic site.

Founded in 1974 at the direction of community activist and renowned artist Woodrow Edwards, renowned author and historian David Stick, and community activist Carolista Baum, the association of benefactors and concerned local citizens has worked tirelessly to build a museum and history center that dramatizes the stories of the dedicated men who served their nation so bravely during the 44-year history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service. It is a history that should not be lost.