Editor's note: This bridge has since been torn down since the original publish date.
Beachgoers along Hatteras Island have been logging in and witnessing the slow demise of the Frisco Pier. Abandoned in 2008, the pier has since been left to the destructs of the ocean, wind, and surf. Despite several hurricanes, somehow portions of the pier still stand.
The beloved community landmark was constructed in 1962 and served as a popular fishing spot for years and years. In 2010, Hurricane Earl caused extensive damage to the pier.
Hurricane Earl ripped away portions of the pier and buckled others. At the time, the pier was under private ownership of two natives, Angie and Tom Gaskill. They had owned the pier since Hurricane Isable's destruction in 2003.
Gaskill
told Shooting the Breeze, a free press, that during that time alone he spent $400,000 to buy and rebuild the pier. Subsequently in 2008 the pier was closed down for public use while the Gaskills remained hopeful. After Hurricane Earl, estimates to rebuild the pier reached over $500,000.
When Tom Gaskill reached out to the Park Service for support in funding the pier, he got more than he bargained for. While initially supportive, Gaskill had issues getting the public to rally around saving the pier and since it was a privately owned it was not eligible for grants and public money. By 2012, Gaskill was willing to relinquish ownership to anyone who wanted to save and rebuild the pier. As the Gaskill's concession contract ran out in 2013, things almost reached a legal battle with the Park Service. Since the pier had been diminished to just pieces, there was no way it could feasibly re-open.
In 2013, the National Park Service bought the pier. Beachgoers and locals enjoyed what was left but always feared the worst - instead of mother nature, the pier would be torn down by man. Throughout the years pieces from the pier have washed onshore sometimes even reaching past the dunes and onto HWY 12.
Sadly, those who love the pier will only have until this Fall to enjoy its beauty with plans announced to completely tear down the structure after the end of the season. Today there's not much left to the Frisco Pier, with the badly battered back end (pictured above) barely standing. The Frisco Pier is among other most photographed landmarks on the OBX like Cape Hatteras and
The UFO House. People remain amazed that storm after storm, the pier still stands despite each force of nature, the only force it cannot withstand is man.
Have you ever been to this abandoned pier in North Carolina? If so, what did you think? Can you imagine how beautiful it was in its heydey? We'd love to read about your experience there in the comments section below. You can learn more and see other photos of the pier on the official Frisco Pier Facebook page.
Perhaps too late, a Facebook group now rallies around to try and save the pier. What are your memories of the pier and what do you think of it being torn down?
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