Why Is It Called Kill Devil Hills

The origins of Kill Devil Hills' unique name

Kill Devil Hills got its name from strong rum that washed ashore from shipwrecks, potent enough to "kill the devil". The name origin of Kill Devil Hills first appeared on maps in the early 1800s. Local legends attribute the Kill Devil Hills name origin to moonshine drunk by pirates or rum from New England. The Kill Devil Hills name origin has been a subject of fascination for many years.

Origins and legends of Kill Devil Hills

• Kill Devil Hills shipwreck rum: The most plausible explanation for why it's called Kill Devil Hills is that rum-carrying ships ran aground off the treacherous Outer Banks during Colonial days. The shipwrecked rum was said to be strong enough to "kill the devil", giving the area its unique name.

• First documented appearances:

  • The name "Killdevil Hills" first appeared on a map in 1808
  • "Kill Devil Hills" was first printed on a map in 1814

• Kill Devil Hills legends: Local lore suggests that pirates sitting in sand dunes drank moonshine strong enough to "kill the devil"

• New England rum: In the 1700s, William Byrd of Virginia wrote that most rum in the country came from New England and was so bad it was called "Kill Devil", possibly influencing the Kill Devil Hills name origin

• Other theories about why it's called Kill Devil Hills:

  • A local man trying to extort money from the devil by trapping him in a deep pit atop a dune
  • The name "Killdeer Hills", referring to a shore bird, morphing into "Kill Devil Hills"

Historical context of Kill Devil Hills

• The Outer Banks became a haven for pirates in the early 18th century, including the infamous Blackbeard

• Blackbeard, born Edward Thache, operated in the area during the 1720s, calling Bath, North Carolina his home

• The shallow inlets and coves of the Outer Banks provided perfect hiding spots for pirates to restock and shelter from storms

Local endorsement and documentation of Kill Devil Hills' name

• The town of Kill Devil Hills officially endorses the rum shipwreck origin story in its Visitor's Guide, supporting the theory of why it's called Kill Devil Hills

• Historical records from the Outer Banks History Center document the area's rich history, including:

  • The Hettie Baum Scrapbook (1909-1990) commemorating the Wright Brothers' first flight in Kill Devil Hills
  • The Dunes of Dare Garden Club records, founded in 1967, promoting environmental improvement in Kill Devil Hills

Historical significance of Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills history is marked by the Wright brothers' first controlled, powered flight on December 17, 1903. Located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Kill Devil Hills is historically significant as the site of this achievement at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which marked the beginning of the aviation age. The origin of the name "Kill Devil Hills" is rooted in the area's history, with connections to shipwrecks and rum.

Kill Devil Hills history and name origin

• Name origin: The name "Kill Devil Hills" is believed to come from colonial times when:
  • Shipwrecks were common along the Outer Banks coast
  • A brand of rum called "Kill Devil" washed ashore from these shipwrecks
  • Local Native Americans and settlers would collect the rum from the hills
• Kill Devil Hills Outer Banks location: Situated in Dare County, North Carolina, part of the Outer Banks region
• Native American presence: Kill Devil Hills and the Outer Banks area were inhabited by Native Americans before European settlement

Wright brothers and the first flight in Kill Devil Hills

• Site of first powered flight: Kill Devil Hills was the location where Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first controlled, powered flight on December 17, 1903
• Flight details: The Wright brothers' 40-foot, 605-pound Flyer flew for 12 seconds at a height of 10 feet, covering 120 feet at 6.8 mph into a 27-mph wind
• Chosen location: The Wright brothers selected Kill Devil Hills for its strong winds, tall sand dunes, wide sandy beaches, and isolation
• Experimentation period: The brothers conducted flight experiments in the area from September 1900 to December 1903

Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills

• Commemorative site: The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills preserves the site of the first powered flight
• Memorial features:
  • 60-foot tower with wings and a five-point star
  • Commemorative granite boulder and replica monorail marking the lift-off point
  • Numbered markers indicating the termination points of the four powered flights
  • Reconstructed hangar and living quarters of the Wright brothers' 1903 camp
• Historical markers: The memorial includes various markers and monuments detailing the Wright brothers' achievements

Other historical significance in Kill Devil Hills

• Dare County Veterans Memorial: Located in Kill Devil Hills, this memorial honors local veterans with granite slabs listing their names
• Memorial location: Situated in the median of Town Hall Drive, near the intersection with Veterans Drive
• Dedication: The veterans memorial was dedicated on November 11, 1991

Debates and controversies

• Authenticity debates: There have been claims challenging the Wright brothers' status as first in flight:
  • Gustave Whitehead allegedly flew in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1901
  • Alberto Santos-Dumont is credited by some Brazilians for inventing the airplane
• State disputes: Ohio, North Carolina, and Connecticut have had disagreements over "first in flight" claims
• Expert opinions: Most modern aviation experts and the Smithsonian Institution support the Wright brothers' claim to first powered flight

Natural features and local lore of Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills is home to the killdeer bird, a species found in the area's diverse wildlife. The town, known for its iconic sand dunes and the site of the Wright Brothers' first flight, features Kill Devil Hill with an elevation of 91 feet. As one of the oldest towns in the region, Kill Devil Hills wasn't incorporated until 1953. Its subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters makes it a popular tourist destination. The town has an intriguing name origin and attracts visitors with its natural beauty and historical significance.

Natural features

Topography

• Kill Devil Hill: The most prominent natural feature, with an elevation of 91 feet (28 meters) above sea level
• Low-lying coastal area: Kill Devil Hills is characterized by relatively flat terrain, with Kill Devil Hill being one of the highest points in Dare County
• Jockey's Ridge: While not in Kill Devil Hills, this nearby dune system competes for the highest point in the county

Climate

• Subtropical climate: Kill Devil Hills experiences hot, muggy summers and mild winters
• Rainfall: The area receives an average of 51.25 inches (1,300 mm) of precipitation annually
• Temperature range: Average highs range from 51.6°F (10.9°C) in January to 85.7°F (29.8°C) in July

Seasonal characteristics

• Summer: Warm and muggy from June 3 to September 17, with average highs around 86°F (30°C)
• Winter: Cool and windy from December 4 to March 13, with average lows around 38°F (3.3°C)
• Growing season: Typically lasts 9.2 months, from around March 5 to December 12

Local lore and history

Wright Brothers' legacy

• First flight: Kill Devil Hills is the site of the Wright Brothers' first successful powered flight on December 17, 1903
• Wright Brothers National Memorial: Commemorates the Wright Brothers' achievement with a 60-foot granite monument atop Kill Devil Hill
• Glider experiments: The Wright Brothers conducted nearly 1,000 glider flights on Kill Devil Hills in the fall of 1902

Origin of the name

• Why is it called Kill Devil Hills: While not specifically mentioned in the provided data, the name is often attributed to local legends involving shipwrecks and rum. The town's unique name adds to its allure as one of the oldest settlements in the area.

Development and growth

• Recent developments: The town has seen significant improvements, including a new 36,000-square-foot co-located facility for fire and EMS services
• Infrastructure improvements: Recent projects include upgrades to Meekins Field Park and the installation of fiber internet services

Kill Devil Hills dunes and wildlife

• Kill Devil Hills dunes: The town's iconic sand dunes, including Kill Devil Hill, are a defining feature of the landscape and contribute to its unique ecosystem.
• Killdeer bird: The Kill Devil Hills area is home to various wildlife, including the killdeer bird, which can be spotted in the dunes and coastal areas.

Historical significance

• Kill Devil Hills oldest town: While not the oldest town in the region, Kill Devil Hills has a rich history dating back to early settlements.
• Kill Devil Hills incorporation: Despite its long history, the town wasn't officially incorporated until 1953, making it relatively young in terms of municipal status.

FAQ

What are the popular theories about Kill Devil Hills' name?

Popular theories include strong rum from shipwrecks being potent enough to 'kill the devil', pirates drinking moonshine in the dunes, and the name evolving from 'Killdeer Hills'. The most widely accepted theory is the shipwreck rum origin.

How did Native Americans contribute to Kill Devil Hills' history?

Native Americans inhabited the Kill Devil Hills and Outer Banks area before European settlement. They, along with early settlers, were known to collect rum that washed ashore from shipwrecks.

What role did rum play in naming Kill Devil Hills?

Rum played a significant role in naming Kill Devil Hills. A brand of rum called 'Kill Devil' reportedly washed ashore from shipwrecks, and its potency was said to be strong enough to 'kill the devil'.

When was Kill Devil Hills officially incorporated?

Kill Devil Hills was officially incorporated in 1953. Despite being one of the oldest settlements in the area, it became a municipality relatively recently.

How are the Wright Brothers connected to Kill Devil Hills?

The Wright Brothers achieved the first controlled, powered flight in Kill Devil Hills on December 17, 1903. They chose the location for its strong winds, tall sand dunes, and isolation, conducting experiments there from 1900 to 1903.