Crystal Coast · NC
Morehead City
A railroad port on Bogue Sound and home of the Big Rock.
- Population
- 9,556 (2020 census)
- Founded
- 1857
- Big Rock tournament
- Since 1957
Then
- 1850s
The Shepard Point Land Company, led by Governor John Motley Morehead, plans a port town. It is founded in 1857.
- 1858
The Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad opens, and full rail service begins in July.
- 1860
Morehead City incorporates, with about 300 families.
- 1880s
The railroad promotes its Atlantic Hotel as the “Summer Capital by the Sea.”
- 1957
The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament begins.
Now
The Port of Morehead City ships phosphate, and the town lives on tourism, retirees and the port. Atlantic Beach lies across Bogue Sound.
14 tide stations around Morehead City
- Atlantic Beach Bridge0.7 mi
- N.C. State Fisheries1.4 mi
- Atlantic Beach2.2 mi
- Coral Bay, Atlantic Beach2.9 mi
- SpoonersCreek4.4 mi
- Newport River (Yacht Club)4.4 mi
- Core Creek Bridge7.3 mi
- North River Bridge8.2 mi
- Harkers Island Bridge8.4 mi
- Shell Point, Harkers Island11.3 mi
Show all 14 stations
- Cape Lookout Bight13.1 mi
- Cape Lookout (ocean)13.7 mi
- Davis, Core Sound16.2 mi
- Oriental, Neuse River20.9 mi