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USS Planter

USS Planter

Planter, a 300-ton side-wheel steamship, was built for commercial use at Charleston, South Carolina, in 1860. In 1861- 62, she served the Confederate Army as an armed transport and dispatch vessel. On 13 May 1862, her pilot, Robert Smalls, boldly steamed her past the Charleston fortifications and turned her over to Federal forces blockading that port. With Planter, Smalls brought several other slaves and a cargo of four guns. He, and the other black crewmen, were awarded half the value of their ship and its cargo.

Planter operated as a unit of the U.S. Navy's South Atlantic Blockading Squadron during 1862. Later in that year, she was transferred to the U.S. Army. Following the Civil War, Planter returned to commercial service. She was lost in 1876.

USS Planter

Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites has been Teaching the World to Fly since 1974 and is home to the world’s largest hang gliding school. As the Outer Banks leader in quality outdoor recreation and adventure, Kitty Hawk Kites offers more than 30 activities to...

Corolla Wild Horse Tours

Corolla Wild Horse Tours knowledgeable guides will ensure you and your family have a great wild horse tour! Along the way the guides will stop and point out interesting sites and local history and details of the Corolla Wild Horses history. Be sure...

Sound Feet Shoes

Sound Feet Shoes is family owned and operated. Sound Feet has been in the retail shoe business for over 72 years, opening their first store in 1953. They provide the best customer service and are the only Outer Banks’ area full service shoe...

Old Man Charters

  Experience the Outer Banks from the water with Old Man Charters, a personalized boat tour company based in the historic fishing village of Wanchese. Departing from a private dock on the southern end of Roanoke Island, Old Man Charters...