Politics · India Bureau
American's Land Sale in 1967 Led to Coastal Heritage Preserve
When North Carolina resident Henry Pigott sold his ancestral island home to the U.S. government, he enabled the creation of Cape Lookout National Seashore. The transaction preserved Portsmouth Village, an 18th-century settlement that now stands as a museum of American coastal history.
LSN India ·
Henry Pigott, the last male resident of Portsmouth Village, made the pivotal decision in 1967 to sell his family home to help establish Cape Lookout National Seashore on the North Carolina coast. Rather than immediately vacate the property, Pigott negotiated a life estate agreement that allowed him to continue living in his ancestral dwelling until his death.
Portsmouth Village, originally established in the 18th century, represented a significant chapter in American maritime heritage. The settlement had gradually emptied as residents relocated, leaving Pigott as one of the few remaining occupants. By transferring ownership of his property to the government, Pigott played a crucial role in ensuring the village's preservation for future generations.
Pigott maintained his residence in the historic village until his death in 1971. Following his passing, the remaining inhabitants departed, leaving Portsmouth Village completely unpopulated. Today, the abandoned settlement functions as a preserved historic district, offering visitors a tangible connection to the region's coastal past and serving as an open-air museum of American seashore life.