A Wreck That Comes and Goes
The Ramp 55 shipwreck in Hatteras Village is a captivating relic of the Outer Banks’ maritime history. Located about 3/4 of a mile south of the Ramp 55 beach access and directly across from the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the wreck emerges sporadically from the sand after periods of rough seas and high winds. Its unpredictable appearances attract visitors, with the last notable reemergence in October 2017 creating a buzz on social media. This natural conceal-and-reveal cycle has continued for over a decade, keeping the wreck shrouded in mystery.
Archaeological Clues and Construction Details
In 2006, the wreck was excavated by the National Park Service with the help of a student archaeology workshop. The investigation uncovered key features: the ship was built using both wooden treenails and iron bolts, pointing to a construction period between the Civil War and the early 20th century. A metal hawse pipe found on the site, used to guide an anchor rope, confirmed that the vessel was a sailing ship. Measuring about 220 feet long and 50 feet wide, the remains suggest it was a six-mast schooner crafted from durable oak and pine.
Possible Identities of the Wreck
Despite the detailed investigation, the identity of the Ramp 55 wreck remains uncertain. Researchers have identified three potential candidates. The Anna R. Heidritter was a four-masted schooner built in 1903 and rebuilt in 1910 after a fire, eventually grounding off Ocracoke Island during a storm on March 1, 1942. Another candidate is the Wesley M. Oler, which grounded off Hatteras on December 5, 1902, though little is known about the ship. The third possibility is the City of New York, a transport steamer that served General Burnside during the Civil War and ran aground at Hatteras Inlet on January 15, 1862. However, the well-preserved state of the wreck suggests it may be a later vessel than the City of New York.
Challenges of Preservation and Protection
Attempts to relocate the wreck to a museum were abandoned due to the size and weight of the remains, making transportation impractical. As a result, the wreck remains on-site, protected under the stewardship of the National Park Service. It is illegal to remove any artifacts from the wreckage, preserving the site for future study and public interest.
Exploring the Wreck Today
Visitors eager to explore the Ramp 55 wreck can find it about a half-mile south of the access point at Ramp 55, where the ship occasionally resurfaces above the sand. For those wishing to delve further into the history of the region, the nearby Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum offers a perfect complement to the excursion. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum features exhibits on maritime history, with free admission—though donations are welcome.
A Timeless Mystery Along the Graveyard of the Atlantic
The Ramp 55 wreck serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers that ships once faced along the perilous waters of the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Its unpredictable appearances from beneath the sand keep its story alive, inviting speculation and fascination. Whether it is the remains of the Anna R. Heidritter, the Wesley M. Oler, or another lost vessel, the mystery surrounding the wreck ensures its legacy endures along the storied coast of the Outer Banks.
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