Corolla and Currituck County are rooted in a rich, detailed history going back many centuries. Influences of multiple cultures, from the Spanish explorers to early-twentieth century African-Americans, remain strong. During Black History Month, we pay homage to our county’s many landmarks commemorating notable figures and events. We invite you to add them to your itinerary whenever you visit, any time of the year.
Captain Bowser’s Gravesite (Photo: NCBlackHeritageTour.com)
Follow the African-American History Trail
The African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina is a six-county venture comprising more than 30 different monuments, parks, waterways and museums. Visitors to our region can explore all of these stops on a self-guided driving tour. Many of the attractions are free of charge and accessible year-round.
Of the more than 30 stops on the heritage trail, three are located in Jarvisburg in Currituck County:
Captain Benjamin J. Bowser’s Gravesite: Captain Bowser (1854-1900) served as the manager of the Pea Island Lifesaving Station. Along with his crew, he assisted sailors in distress along the Outer Banks coast. The station is the subject of a documentary film, Rescue Men – The story of the Pea Island Surfmen.
Corinth Missionary Baptist Church: A landmark on the Currituck mainland, Corinth Missionary Baptist Church has one of the oldest active congregations in the county.
Historic Jarvisburg Colored School: Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, this beautifully restored school building houses a museum of late 19th and early 20th century African-American life and education in the Currituck area. Historic Jarvisburg Colored School is open through February, 2024 and will close on March 1, 2024 for continued renovations.
The African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina also includes stops in Camden, Chowan, Dare, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties. If you have planned a day on the mainland during your Corolla and Currituck Beach vacation, this is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the stories of and contributions to the African American heritage of our region.
Explore all the sites included on this driving tour at NCBlackHeritageTour.com, and follow the site on Facebook and Instagram for updates on hours of operation.
Download or sign up to receive our newly updated Visitors Guide, which features all the information you need for your visit to the Currituck Outer Banks.