Wreck of the Metropolis, 1878
Corolla, Currituck County, North Carolina
Marker Inscription
Wreck Of The Metropolis. Steamer ran aground, Jan. 31, 1878, killing 85. Tragedy prompted improvements in the U.S. Lifesaving Service. Remains are 3/5 mi. SE.
Erected by North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
The Story
On January 31, 1878, the steamer Metropolis ran aground off this stretch of the Outer Banks in heavy surf, and 85 people lost their lives despite rescuers' efforts from shore. The scale of the tragedy shocked the nation and spurred major reforms and expansion of the U.S. Life-Saving Service. The wreck's remains lie about three-fifths of a mile to the southeast.
Why it matters
The Metropolis disaster helped transform how America guarded its dangerous coasts, strengthening the service that would become the modern Coast Guard.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Whalehead in Historic Corolla3.3 mi away · 1100 Club Road, Corolla, NC
- Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education3.5 mi away · 1160 Village Lane, Corolla, NC
- Currituck Maritime Museum3.5 mi away · 1140 Village Lane
Food & drink
- The Oceanfront Grille3.1 mi away · 1197 Franklyn Street, Corolla, NC
- Fatcrabs Rib Company & Seafood Shack3.2 mi away · 1159 Austin Street, Corolla, NC
- Tasty Treats3.3 mi away · 1159 Austin Street, Corolla, NC
- Broken Plate Kitchen3.3 mi away · 1159 Austin Street, Corolla, NC
- Cosmo's Pizzeria3.3 mi away · 1159 Austin Street, Corolla, NC
- Uncle Ike's Sandbar & Grill3.3 mi away · 1159 Austin Street, Corolla, NC
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Related events
- · Wreck of the Metropolis, 1878
Themes & tags
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