By Joan Leotta

Whether powered by sail, oars, or motor, ships over the past four centuries  have played a significant part in the social and economic history of the Carolina coast.

People came by ship to settle here, earned a living from the sea, hunted the backlands, fished rivers and creeks, built ships for war and simply sailed area waters for pleasure.

To visit an actual or reconstructed ship is to touch the nautical past of the people of the Carolinas whose everyday life is entwined tightly with her waters.

From the Outer Banks to Charleston, there are many sites open for visiting real or replica ships that explore the history of the Carolinas from first European settlers to today.

North Carolina

• Elizabeth II at Roanoke Festival Park, Manteo
  Elizabeth II, a reconstruction made from a composite design of various  16th-century ships, represents vessels Sir Walter Raleigh used to bring  colonists to Roanoke Island in 1587. Costumed crew relate tales of the voyage and ship operation. $8 for adults; $5 for ages 6-18; free to children under 5. Open at 9 a.m., closing times vary seasonally. Closed from Jan. 1–mid-Feb. (252) 475-1500 http://www.roanokeisland.com
• CSS Neuse at Kinston
  The CSS Neuse was one of 22 ironclads commissioned by the Confederacy during the Civil War. As Union troops marched into Kinston in March 1865, the Neuse was burned by its crew and sunk. The actual bones of the ship, a scale model and the nearly 15,000 recovered artifacts are on display at the State Historic Site just outside of Kinston  at 2612 W. Vernon Ave. (US 70 Bus.) Free. Times vary seasonally. (252) 522-2091 http://.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/neuse/Main.htm
• The USS North Carolina at Wilmington
  This WWII behemoth of the seas, veteran of action in the Pacific, anchors at Eagle Isle in Wilmington, NC and been open to visitors since 1962. It takes a minimum of two hours to wind one’s way up, down and around this massive metal warship, home to two thousand men in its prime. The tour begins with a stroll through the Visitor center’s memorabilia and relics. The ship tour is self-guided. Events ranging from vintage movies to re-enactor days are held on spacious decks and innards. $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and students; $6 for children ages 6-11; free for children 5 and under. Hours; 8-5 (longer in summer) (910) 251-5797 http://www.battleshipnc.com

South Carolina

• The Adventure at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.
  This is a 17th century replica ship in progress. Visitors watch the rebuilding of a trade vessel thought to be similar to the one used in the 1670 landing of the Barbados colonists, who established the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas.
  A garden with crops of the time, zoo, walking paths and ongoing archeological activity also entertain visitors, Three miles north on Old Towne Road near Exit 216 A from I-26. $5 for adults; $3 for children 6-15; free for children 5 and under. Open: 8:30-5 (843) 852-4200  http://www.southcarolinaparks.com
• The CSS H.L. Hunley at Warren G. Lasch Conservation Center, Old Charleston Naval Base, Charleston.
  The Hunley’s attack on the USS Housatonic outside of Charleston Harbor in February, 1864 was a success—but the ship and her eight-man crew did not live to enjoy their victory. The ship sank mysteriously and was discovered in May 1995, raised five years later. Visitors can see the actual ship and artifacts as the ship undergoes restoration. $12 for adults; free for children 5 and under. Open: 10-5 Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays. (843) 743-4865 www.hunley.org
• Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum at Mount Pleasant
  40 Patriot’s Point Road.
  Ship aficionados can explore two World War II seagoing veterans — the destroyer, USS Laffey (aka “the ship that would not die”), and aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown (aka “The fighting lady”). The cold war submarine USS Clagmore and highly decorated (50 years of service ) Coast Guard Cutter Inghamround out the “floating Exhibits.” $15 for adults; $13 for seniors and military; $8 for children 6-11; free for children under 6. Open: 9-6:30. (Last tickets sold at 5 PM) Closed Christmas. (866) 831-1720 or (803) 884-2727. http://www.patriotspoint.org/

In addition to actual historic ships and replicas in outdoor settings, several museums house exhibits on boats and ships from the dugout Indian canoe era and the oystering and shad fishing history of the coast (Manteo and Southport), through pirate ships (Beaufort), to modern sailing boats (Elizabeth City) and civil war submarine (replica in Charleston). To find out more call: