Oriental
Steamer · United States · Lost 1862 · The Outer Banks
A Civil War Army transport wrecked on the Outer Banks in 1862, whose boiler still breaks the surf off Pea Island.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Oriental was an iron steamer chartered to carry Army stores during the Civil War. On 16 May 1862 she went ashore on the Outer Banks near Pea Island and could not be freed. The surf broke the hull apart where she lay. Her boiler and hull structure still stand in the shallows and are among the most recognisable wreck remains on the North Carolina shore.
Vessel
- 1861
- Not established
- Not established
- Iron
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Steam, single screw
- Chartered to the United States Army
Loss
- May 16, 1862
- Grounding
- Off Pea Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Atlantic Ocean off the Outer Banks
- Not established
- Army stores
- Not established
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Boiler and hull structure stand in the surf zone and are visible from the beach.
- Not established
- Not established
- Within Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge shoreline
Position
- 35.72° N 75.49° W
- Approximate position
- Pea Island, North Carolina
Position given for the Pea Island shoreline where the boiler stands.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (66/100)
Dimensions and the full circumstances of the stranding are not established in the sources reviewed.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Location and visible remains of the wreck.
North Carolina Office of State Archaeology
Vessel identity, loss date and circumstances.
