The troops took possession of Portsmouth Island and Ocracoke Island without opposition.

Portsmouth Island (including the village) had already been acquired by the National Park Service before the last inhabitants left in 1971.

Under segregation, black and white children could not legally attend the one-room schoolhouse on Portsmouth Island together.

Portsmouth Island lies to the west of North Core Banks, to which it is connected at most states of the tide.

The beaches north of here, starting with Portsmouth Island and Ocracoke are known as the Outer Banks.

To the east is the Core Banks and Portsmouth Island.

It became so important that residents started to inhabit the southern island, Portsmouth Island.

At one time, Portsmouth Island was the most densely populated place on the whole Outer Banks.

Late in the afternoon, I meet Rudy Austin, whose family runs boat tours to nearby Portsmouth Island.

Trips to Portsmouth Island, including guided tours of the village and the island, are available from two services.