35 Amazing Historic Places to See in North Carolina

The National Register of Historic Places has documented some 95,000 structures, sites, and districts across the country. In North Carolina, around 2,900 properties — from churches and cotton mills to farms, homes, and schools — have earned this designation. Now, these special spots representing our state’s history are known nationwide.

Portsmouth Island

Pilgrimage to Portsmouth

An old church bell rings, and an abandoned barrier island springs back to life. For those who make the biennial journey to this once-bustling shipping and fishing village, there's comfort in the ritual of remembering.