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Happy Grounding Day. 159 years ago on May 16 1862, the Steamer Oriental went aground off Pea Island on the Outer Banks. She did not have BoatUS towing insurance. No lives were lost (the vessel was close to shore)… but attempts to refloat the Oriental were unsuccessful. Her wreck remains in the same location today, with part of her boiler/steam engine protruding above water.
If this vessel had not gone aground, our town would likely still be called Smith’s Creek, and dragon imagery and events would not be part of local life. Oriental was founded in 1899.