Hotel De Afrique served as a sanctuary for many African Americans during the Civil War, marking a significant part of North Carolina's history.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesHotel De Afrique, situated on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, served as a sanctuary for African Americans escaping slavery during the Civil War. Earning its reputation as a beacon of hope, it provided shelter and sustenance while facilitating crucial intelligence on Confederate forces. However, the hotel was also plagued by violence and difficult living conditions, revealing a complex legacy. Today, its history serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and resilience of those who sought freedom in a turbulent time.
Located on one of North Carolina’s stunning Outer Banks barrier islands, the Hotel De Afrique has an incredibly rich and turbulent history that dates back to the 1860s. This hotel was known to be the first safe haven for African Americans escaping the harsh realities of slavery during the turbulent times of the Civil War.
With the Union’s victory at the Battle of Hatteras Inlet in 1861, federal forces gained control of the island, and word spread rapidly back to enslaved individuals on the mainland. They began making their way to the hotel, eager to seize a chance for freedom. It became a hub for those termed “freedmen,” who arrived in droves, often by boat, transforming the island’s population almost overnight.
The hotel offered these individuals temporary housing and nourishment, but in return, it also required them to gather crucial intelligence on the Confederate forces. In many ways, this created a unique relationship where the information shared would contribute to various Union victories along the coast.
Interestingly, the occupants of Hotel De Afrique were among the first African Americans to engage in combat against the Confederate military. Their bravery should be applauded, especially since the hotel was hailed as a refuge. Yet, as historians point out, it was often far from a comfortable sanctuary. In fact, some would argue that the conditions were more reminiscent of a labor camp rather than a true safe haven.
This original shelter faced its own set of challenges. It was frequently plagued by flooding due to its location right next to an inlet. In 1862, a violent storm destroyed the hotel, but the resilient spirit of those involved saw it rebuilt on higher ground, featuring 10 to 12 barracks to accommodate the growing number of inhabitants.
However, the hotel was not just a location for safety and refuge. It was marred by various incidents of violence that unfolded within its walls. One such event involved Union soldiers who attacked Black occupants. Among those affected was a man known as Galloway or Gallaway. Tragically, the violence did not stop there. It was fueled by the soldiers’ drunkenness, which led to even more brutal confrontations, including the murder of another Black man, revealing a darker side to this so-called sanctuary.
Today, the original site of Hotel De Afrique can be found near the current Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, which serves to remember and honor the hotel’s significant ties to the Underground Railroad. The museum stands as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions of this chapter in North Carolina’s history. Despite its role as a refuge for many, the legacy of Hotel De Afrique is undeniably mixed. It’s a story of hope and struggle overshadowed by occurrences of violence and harsh living conditions.
The tale of Hotel De Afrique reminds us that history is rarely black and white. While it served as a vital escape route for many African Americans seeking freedom, it was also marred by tragedy and hardship. As we look back, it’s essential to reflect on these stories and honor the legacy of all those who found themselves at this crucial crossroads in history.
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