Portsmouth is a remote fishing and shipping village located on the north end of Portsmouth Island in far eastern Carteret County, North Carolina, United States. The town was established in 1753, and abandoned in 1971. The site and buildings became part of Cape Lookout National Seashore in 1976, and are now on the National Register of Historic Places. Prior to the Civil War, ships often stopped at Portsmouth to transfer cargo to smaller vessels that could navigate the shallow waters of Pamlico Sound. During the summers, people often visit the island via ferry and stay overnight in cabins. The cabins are approximately 10 miles from the historic town.
