Corolla Village's history is deeply rooted in its early days as a remote, self-sufficient coastal community. Originally known as Jones Hill, and later as Whalehead or Currituck Beach, the village was initially inhabited by Native American tribes like the Chowanoke and Poteskeet who used the barrier island for hunting grounds. European settlers began arriving in the 1600s, living a rugged life supported by fishing, hunting, and salvaging goods from frequent shipwrecks.
A pivotal moment in the village's history occurred in the late 1800s. The establishment of the Jones Hill Lifesaving Station in 1874 and the completion of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in 1875 brought new residents and steady government jobs, which helped the village thrive while other nearby settlements dwindled. In 1895, the community officially adopted the name "Corolla" when a post office was established, inspired by the botanical term for the petals of a flower. By 1890, the population of Corolla Village was estimated to be over 200 people. Early 20th-century life centered around self-reliance, with residents planting gardens and raising livestock. The construction of the Whalehead Club in the 1920s also provided work opportunities for locals.
After a brief surge in population during World War II when the U.S. Coast Guard leased the Whalehead Club as a training base, the village's population declined significantly. Many residents moved to the mainland in search of jobs, and by the 1970s, the year-round population was as low as 15 people.
However, the late 1980s marked a turning point with the extension of a paved road from the south, finally connecting Corolla to the rest of the Outer Banks. This sparked a massive development boom that transformed the quiet village into a bustling tourist destination.
Today, Corolla is an unincorporated community with a small permanent population that surges into the thousands during the summer vacation season. While the total population of the broader Corolla area (zip code 27927) is around 610 year-round, the seasonal population can exceed 50,000 per week. The median age for the area is 60 years old, indicating a community with a large number of retirees and seasonal residents. The dominant industry has shifted from traditional hunting and fishing to a tourism-based economy, with a focus on real estate, retail, and hospitality to support the influx of vacationers. The historic Corolla Village now serves as a charming hub of restored homes, shops, and restaurants, preserving its rich history while catering to the modern tourist industry.