The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station was established in 1874, one of the first seven stations on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The buildings on site survive as one of the most complete U.S. Lifesaving Service/Coast Guard Station complexes on the Atlantic Coast.

The board-and-batten station was converted to a boathouse when the new shingle style station and outbuildings were errected in 1911. They remind us today of the daring rescues made off the treacherous shoals and surf of Hatteras Island in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In 1978 the property was purchased at auction and donated to the Chicamacomico Historical Association, a group of volunteers dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the station. Extensive work has been done to stabilize the station and outer buildings. With guidance from the North Carolina Division of Archives and History, the restoration of the main building is being done in accordance with the 1911 specifications.

The Chicamacomico complex is located in Rodanthe on Hatteras Island and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. from mid-April through November. The 1911 Station is open as a museum and the 1874 Station, located at the back of the property, house Surfboat #1046 used in the famous Mirlo rescue in 1918, and other lifesaving equipment. A museum gift shop is also on the premises. Docents are on hand to answer questions. Programs are offered to the public during June, July and August.

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