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
Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the...
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...
We offer one of a kind SALT COAST OUTFITTERS brand name tees, long sleeves, performance gear, Yeti tumblers, caps, eyeglasses, and more! Browse the fullest collection of coastal lifestyle clothing on the beach. Featuring a sizable selection of brand...
Visitors of all ages will have a blast at this destination that is designed for great times along the Crystal Coast shoreline. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is situated in the centrally located beach community of Salter Path, and...