Atlantic Beach History

Beaufort Inlet has always been strategic to coastal North Carolina. On the Atlantic side of Bogue Banks lie many wrecks such as the Confederate blockade runner Prevensey, a side-wheel steamer, with its rusting axle and boiler still visible below the surface. Other portions of the vessel can be seen at low-tide.

Fort Macon, which had been built in 1826-1834, fell to the Northern forces in 1862. This was a major strategic victory, eventually leading to complete Union control of the entire North Carolina coast.