Ocracoke Island Eccentrics, Innovators, & Free Spirits

By Philip Howard (Ocracoke local)
 
Ocracoke Island has long been known for its colorful characters. Isolation has bred generations of resilient and creative islanders. Isolation has also attracted numerous mavericks and free spirits. Within these pages you will encounter ecccentric island-born sailors and ship captains, midwives, entrepreneurs, and even a two-star general. Among the newcomers are an enterprising parson, a visionary Austrian writer, a quirky adventurer, and a self-styled prophet. These, and more, constiture an uncommon cast of islanders and newcomers who have helped shape this unique barrier island in profound ways.