The wreck of the Huron was a tragedy that could have been prevented had Congress allocated funds for the Lifesaving Service that would have enabled them to operate year-round. However, the Lifesaving Service, due to shortage of funds, was forced to shut down on Decemeber 1 -- one week before the Huron disaster. Constructed in order to stem the flow of Confederate blockade runners from supplying Southern ports, the 175' long iron-hulled vessel was an impressive warship. Surviving the Civil War, the Huron was headed towards Cuba when she encountered a storm off the coast of North Carolina and ran aground the morning of 24 Novemeber 1877. She was battered by large waves, throwing many of her crew into the frigid waters to their deaths. Only 34 men survived the wrecking, while 98 officers and crew perished.

(Map courtesy of North Carolina Department on Cultural Resources)

The Huron now lies 250 yards offshore in ~20' of water. Heavily encrusted, there are many sections and machinery that protrude from the sand. Artifacts such as munitions, china, and personal effects may be still encountered at the site, though this wreck is now protected by the state of North Carolina. The site is in close vicinity to the Nags Head pier, and is usually buoyed to facilitate location.