The name, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, appears on maps as early as 1809. The legends are older. The Web site Killing the Devil and other Tales discusses some of the theories behind the Kill Devil Hills name.

The towering windswept dunes on this North Carolina Outer Banks barrier island, some of which are 100' high, were immortalized by the Wright Brothers in 1900 as the location of the first flight. The announcement telegram was sent from neighboring Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Wilbur Wright had found his "soft ground, open space and a steady wind". Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Outer Banks, takes its centuries of romantic history and legend in stride.

Kill Devil Hills boasts outstanding restaurants, shopping, sports and activities. Kill Devil Hills was visited by a young Robert Frost in 1894, who would later write his moving "Kitty Hawk" about the fate of Aaron Burr's daughter, Theodosia, off the coast of the Outer Banks. Kill Devil Hills links include The Fate of Theodosia Burr, Kill Devil Hills, The Wright Brothers Flight, First Flight Centennial Foundation and NC Coastal and Waterway Guide.