From bold environmental advocates and pioneering park rangers to independent business and civic leaders, the women of the Outer Banks have shaped this coastal community in lasting and meaningful ways. Take the time during Women's History Month to learn more about these icons and remember you can celebrate this history year-round. Together, their stories reflect the resilience, vision, and determination of women whose influence continues to define the spirit of the Outer Banks today.
In 1964, Marge Cafferty became the co-founder of of Kitty Hawk Rentals (now known as Beach Realty & Construction). This made her the ONLY female real estate professional to lead a company on the Outer Banks at the time, facing challenges we don’t imagine today. She navigated the male-dominated business world of the early OBX days with grace, intelligence, and unmatched work ethic. Marge is honored on International Women’s Day not just as a business leader, but as an inspiration to us all at Blue, including her son and President of Outer Banks Blue, Tim Cafferty.
“We all called her “Mama C,” but she was certainly “Large Marge in-charge.” She taught me everything about business and guides me even to this day some 17 years after her passing. My Mom was awesome.“ -Tim Cafferty, President of Outer Banks Blue
Born in 1940, Carolista Fletcher Baum was an artist, educator, and passionate environmental advocate whose bold actions helped save
Jockey’s Ridge from development. After spotting a bulldozer leveling the dunes near her family’s summer home in Nags Head in 1973, Baum famously stood in front of the machine and refused to move—sparking a grassroots movement to protect the area. She founded The People to Preserve Jockey’s Ridge, rallied tens of thousands of petition signatures, raised funds through creative campaigns like “Buy A Piece of the Ridge,” and tirelessly lobbied state officials to establish a park. Thanks in large part to her determination, Jockey’s Ridge became a North Carolina State Park in 1975 and remains one of the state’s most treasured natural landmarks, welcoming millions of visitors each year.
Descendants of Freedmen’s Colony slaves have made lasting contributions to the Outer Banks community. Virginia Tillett, a Manteo native and colony descendant, became the first African American elected to both the Dare County School Board and Board of Commissioners. She was honored with the Citizen of the Year Award and North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Though her name is not widely known, Louise Meekins played a pioneering role in shaping the Outer Banks’ national parks. A Manteo native and one of the first women to enlist in the Navy during World War I, Meekins went on to become the first female Historical Aide at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and later the first Park Historian at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Joining the National Park Service around 1950—at a time when few women held such roles—she dedicated herself to educating visitors and locals alike, expanding interpretive programs into schools and the community. Known for her deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and unwavering love for Dare County, Meekins earned multiple honors for her service and left behind a lasting legacy that helped pave the way for future generations of female park rangers on the Outer Banks.
Eleanor Dare is best known as the mother of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, and the daughter of Governor John White—connections that secured her place in history more than her own recorded actions. In 1587, while pregnant, she journeyed with fellow colonists to Roanoke Island, enduring a difficult voyage and an uncertain settlement after plans to reach the Chesapeake Bay fell apart. She gave birth to Virginia on August 18, 1587, shortly before her father returned to England for supplies, leaving the colony behind. What became of Eleanor—and the rest of the so-called Lost Colony—remains unknown, but portrayals in productions like The Lost Colony have elevated her into a prominent cultural figure, transforming a historical footnote into a lasting Outer Banks legend.
Founded in 1971 by Ann Lamb, Tonya Young, and Margie White, the Outer Banks Woman's Club has spent more than five decades championing service, leadership, and community growth across the OBX. As a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, the club is part of a global network of women committed to positive change. From supporting local nonprofits to advancing the arts, education, and environmental conservation, its members have long been a driving force behind meaningful initiatives, earning recognition at both the local and state levels while continuing to shape a stronger future for the Outer Banks.
From handcrafted coffee and fresh-baked pastries to local beer and wine, this cozy café offers something for everyone. Owned by Ashley Linnekin, it’s a beloved OBX favorite known for its friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re inside or enjoying ocean views from the top deck, it’s easy to see why Ashley’s is one of the most popular coffee shops on the OBX.
Vicki Basnight is first & foremost an Outer Banks fisherwoman and co-owner of her family’s seafood restaurant. As the daughter of former North Carolina Senator Marc Basnight, she has carved out her own legacy on the water as one of the area’s few female anglers. She plays a hands-on role in supplying the restaurant with fresh, locally caught seafood and is a passionate advocate for supporting local fishermen and sustainable, community-based seafood.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, there’s no better time to reflect on the trailblazing women who helped shape the Outer Banks into the vibrant, protected, and tight-knit community it is today. Visiting the OBX in March offers a meaningful way to connect with these stories—whether you’re exploring Jockey’s Ridge, walking the grounds of Fort Raleigh, or supporting local woman-owned businesses. With mild spring temperatures, fewer crowds, and peaceful stretches of shoreline, March on the Outer Banks is the perfect time to experience the history, natural beauty, and community spirit that these remarkable women helped preserve. Come honor their impact while creating your own unforgettable Outer Banks memories.
