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All the United States North Carolina Shipwreck Park
AO Edited

Shipwreck Park

The remains of a 19th century cargo ship now sits in the middle of a quaint neighborhood after a century spent on the ocean floor.

Oak Island, North Carolina

Added By
arenfro
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This ship was once used to transport phosphorus.   arenfro / Atlas Obscura User
This ship was once used to transport phosphorus.   arenfro / Atlas Obscura User
A sign explains the history of the ship.   arenfro / Atlas Obscura User
Visitors are asked not to deface the historical artifact.   arenfro / Atlas Obscura User
Many ships have been lost off the Cape Fear Coast.   arenfro / Atlas Obscura User
Although this ship sank in the 19th century, it’s found new life as a public monument.   arenfro / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Of the many thousands of ships that have been lost off the notorious Cape Fear Coast, there is one that has resurfaced and can be visited again today in the middle of a seemingly random street in Oak Island, North Carolina.

The 138 foot long Mary E. Morris was built in 1884 and sunk in 1893 while transporting phosphorus off the coast of Southport. It spent a century under water, until its remains were brought to shore in 1999. A public program worked in conjunction with archaeologists to move the ship's skeletal remains to Barbee St where it now rests on a median to be easily observed by anyone.Perhaps this pile of wood looks like more of a husk than a ship today, but the incongruous sight of it in the middle of this idyllic beach town neighborhood makes for an unusual and interesting stop.

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Boats Ships Shipwrecks Parks

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As the ship remains are laid out on a public median, they can be visited any time of day. Street parking rules apply.

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arenfro

Published

September 23, 2024

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Shipwreck Park
400 Barbee Blvd
Oak Island, North Carolina, 28465
United States
33.909447, -78.082947
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Photo of North Carolina

North Carolina

United States

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of North Carolina

North Carolina

United States

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Stories 34

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