HYDE COUNTY
Updated 12/31/99
Excavations were conducted at the ancient prehistoric Pomeiooc Indian village in 1985-87. Underwater archaeologists have examined twenty shipwrecks and fragments off Ocracoke Island. In addition, the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office statewide inventory contains information on fifty prehistoric and historic archaeological sites in Hyde County.
A county architectural survey was completed in 1982, and a comprehensive survey of Ocracoke in 1990. Surveys are cooperative local-state projects accomplished with grants and staff assistance from the Historic Preservation Office.
State grants of $187,000 have assisted in restoration of the Octagon House and Mattamuskeet Lodge, archaeological work at Pomeiooc, and preparation of the Ocracoke Historic District National Register nomination. Federal grants of $121,570 assisted the county architectural survey, preparation of National Register nominations, and restoration of the Octagon House and Ocracoke Light Station.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
National Register listings include the Lake Landing Historic District, an unspoiled rural expanse of connected plantations that is the state's largest historic district in land area. Other National Register properties include districts at Fairfield and Ocracoke and seven individual listings.
LOCAL PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS
The Historic Preservation Office advised Ocracoke Preservation Society on the establishment of a local historic district ordinance.
PRESERVATION PLANNING
The Historic Preservation Office is working with the Fish and Wildlife Service to renovate Lake Mattamuskeet Lodge as a multi-use center and tourist attraction.
A tax credit workshop was presented in November 1999 at Ocracoke. Three income-producing historic buildings are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
The Historic Preservation Office has provided technical restoration assistance to Mattamuskeet Lodge; Ocracoke Lighthouse; t he U.S. Coast Guard Station, Ocracoke, the Williams House in Ocracoke, and several rural properties including the Octagon House..