Photos and Information about Piver's Island, the Rachel Carson Reserve, Shackelford Banks and Fort Macon

Shackelford Banks

Image courtesy crystalcoastnc.org

John Shackelford (1688–1734) and brother Francis Zeheriah Shackelford (16751722) patented a "plantation" on the west side of North River in 1708. [John and Francis were born in Virginia, sons of Roger Shackelford, born about 1629 in Old Alresford, Hampshire, South East England, and migrated to the Virginia Colony in 1658.]

In 1713, John Shackelford and Enoch Ward purchased 7000 acres referred to as the “Sea Banks.” The two men divided the property in 1723. Shackelford referred to his land lying on the banks as "Eastward of Old Topsail Inlet." Shackelford’s western part later became known as Shackleford Banks. John Shackelford served in the local Core Sound militia from 1712 to 1743.

Part of John Shackelford's 1734 Will stated: "After the death of my beloved wife Ann I give to my son John all the remainder of goods and Chattle both resale and personal provided my son John does not die without issue, in such case I bequest my estate to my son James and his heirs forever also Island called Carrot."





Wild Horses of Shackelford Banks

Mullet fishermen at fishing camp on Shackelford Banks circa 1880. George B. Goode, ed., The Fisheries and Fishery Industries of the United States, 5 secs. (Washington, D.C.: Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1884-87), sec. 5, vol. 2.

 
 Mullet Fisherman Camp on Shackelford Banks - 1907

According to census records and a few death certificates, the ancestors of many Beaufort and "Core Sound" residents were born and lived on "Cape Banks," Diamond City and Shackelford Banks - members of families, including Lewis, Guthrie, Willis, Moore, Fulcher, Hancock and more - a few born during the 18th century, and a few hundred throughout the 19th century.

"Shortly after his April 1, 1841 marriage to Susan Leecraft Manson, David Hall Rumley (1813‒1848) dismantled this early 19th-century cottage and moved it by barge from Diamond City, then a settlement on the eastern end of Shackelford Banks..." (see 122 Queen Street in Mary Warshaw's book.)

See: Historic Beaufort, North Carolina - A Unique Coastal Village Preserved