Steve Harrison Collection on Lifesaving Stations of the Outer Banks, PC.5063
Abstract
This collection was researched and compiled by Steve Harrison, an employee of the National Park Service, Cape Hatteras Group who served as Chief of Resource Management, and relates to various stations of the United States Life-Saving Service along the Outer Banks. The collection includes station names, active dates, United States Coast Guard numbers, architectural style, location and rescue/wreck reports.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Steve Harrison Collection on Lifesaving Stations of the Outer Banks
- Call Number
- PC.5063
- Creator
- Harrison, Steve
- Date
- 1874-1968
- Extent
- 0.400 cubic feet
- Language
- English
- Repository
- Outer Banks History Center
Restrictions on Access & Use
Access Restrictions
Available for research.
Use Restrictions
Copyright is retained by the authors of these materials, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law (Title 17 US Code). Individual researchers are responsible for using these materials in conformance with copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], PC.5063, Steve Harrison Collection on Lifesaving Stations of the Outer Banks, Outer Banks History Center, Manteo, N.C., U.S.A.
Collection Overview
These papers contain infomation pertaining to the various lifesaving stations along the North Carolina coast, including: station name, active dates, United States Coast Guard numbers, architectural style, location and rescue/wreck reports. There is also a folder with general information about the lifesaving stations including reference sources, maps, wreck statistics, and copies of journal entries.
Arrangement Note
Alphabetical.
Historical Note
The United States Life-Saving Service (USLSS) was created by the United States Government in 1872 in order to protect lives and shipping interests along the coast. Construction of USLSS stations began in 1874 on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which has a long history of shipwrecks and lives lost. Eventually, a total of twenty stations were situated on the shoal and channel laden coast. Once completed, these stations housed a staff, which consisted of a keeper and a crew of six, manning the stations during the active season from December to March. This season was later extended to September 1 to May 1 and then from August 1 to May 31. The United States Life-Saving Service merged with the United States Revenue Cutter Service in 1914 to form the United States Coast Guard.
The lifesaving stations also have architectural significance, and stylistic elements have become identified as a unique vernacular of modern Outer Banks architectural style. Though many of them have disappeared due to years of rough weather and neglect, others have survived and have been restored into restaurants and historic sites.
Contents of the Collection
Subject Headings
Acquisitions Information
Researched and compiled by Steve Harrison.