Decatur Gillikin, the subject of many island legends, lived on Harkers Island around the turn of the century. He reportedly possessed incredible strength.
One day, the story goes, Decatur was hauling logs by oxcart. He discovered that to get around a certain fence blocking his path, it was necessary to make a mile-long detour. Not being too fond of delays, Decatur picked up each ox and set it neatly on the opposite side of the fence.
Decatur is also said to have been involved in many fights, and legend has it that he never lost a single one. One particular story claims that he signed on as a sailor on a British ship. He had not been aboard long before he whipped the ship's champion, which so aroused the nationalistic pride of the crew that he had to fight them all. Before the day was out, Decatur supposedly beat fifteen men.
Today, the Gillikin family is still very much in evidence on the island.
Published here by kind permission of Claiborne S. Young's Cruising Guide
Sun Realty offers the Best Selection of Vacation Rentals on the Outer Banks. Our large selection of Outer Banks rentals means you can choose from a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, game rooms, pet...
Miller's Seafood & Steakhouse has been a favorite among locals and visitors for more forty years. Offering delicious southern cuisine for both breakfast and dinner in a casual family atmosphere infused with coastal flair, it's no wonder this...
Outer Banks Mall is a large outdoor shopping center featuring everything you need for sun, fun and shopping. Located at MP 14 in Nags Head, the large shopping center features a wide variety of food & beverage providers; everything from breakfast...
Wine, beer and cheese lovers will love TRiO, an exciting retail and tasting destination in Kitty Hawk. Both a gourmet retail wine, beer and cheese shop as well as a bistro with a wine bar and tap house, TRiO offers the best of the worlds of...