In 1967, Henry Pigott sold his North Carolina island home to help create Cape Lookout National Seashore; a life estate let him stay until his death as Portsmouth Village's last male resident

North America Business Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:30:07 GMT Moderate confidence — 73/100

Portsmouth IslandWhen the federal government began bringing the windswept barrier islands of eastern North Carolina under protected parkland, a quiet property deal near Pamlico Sound helped bring the story of a once-thriving coastal community to an end.
In 1967, Henry Pigott agreed to sell his property on Portsmouth Island to help create Cape Lookout National Seashore.
As part of the deal, he received a life estate, allowing him to remain in his ancestral home for the rest of his life.

Portsmouth IslandWhen the federal government began bringing the windswept barrier islands of eastern North Carolina under protected parkland, a quiet property deal near Pamlico Sound helped bring the story of a once-thriving coastal community to an end.
In 1967, Henry Pigott agreed to sell his property on Portsmouth Island to help create Cape Lookout National Seashore.
As part of the deal, he received a life estate, allowing him to remain in his ancestral home for the rest of his life.

Sources: Times of India