2022 Map of Portsmouth

About this map

The settlement of Portsmouth anchors this coastal survey, situated on the north end of Portsmouth Island within the Cape Lookout National Seashore. This barrier island landscape is defined by the shifting waters of Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, separated by the historic Ocracoke Inlet. The map reveals a high density of burial grounds in a small area, including Portsmouth Cem, Grace Cem, and the Babb - Dixon Cem, reflecting the deep familial roots of this maritime community. Navigation routes are central to the region's character, with several named channels such as Wallace Channel and Blair Channel threading through the shoals. To the north, the boundary between Hyde and Carteret counties cuts through the sound, where rocky outcrops like Shell Castle and Beacon Island stand amidst the vehicle ferry trails connecting the Outer Banks.