Legends & Folklore of the Outer Banks,
Part Two: To KILL the DEVIL on the HILLS

Not a week goes by that we don't have several people ask us how the town of "Kill Devil Hills" got its name. In response, local artist Britton Ricketts dove into our local folklore and discovered a few different versions of the story, and he has incorporated all of them into a single piece of art that continues the mythology of colonist John Borden and the mystery of The Lost Colony.

During colonial times, rum produced on the Outer Banks was said to be so strong that it could "kill the devil." Around these parts, rum began to be referred to as "kill devil," and the name stuck.

There is also a story in which colonist John Borden, the sole survivor of the Roanoke Colony, defeated the Devil with a fatal game of cards and a jug of rum atop the dune now known as Big Kill Devil Hill.

This incredible original art image is now available as autographed prints, stickers, and t-shirts exclusively in our “Hop Shop” retail location adjacent to the tavern, as well as in our online store at lostcolonytavern.com. The design features the final dying moments of the Infernal One with his empty jug of Outer Banks rum surrounded by playing cards scattered about as John Borden leads his nag and his loyal border collie away across the dunes and into the night.

If you want to purchase this design and can't drop by the tavern, call us at (252) 423-3033 or visit our online store to get this amazing original art design for yourself!