Washington County’s story is one of isolation, success, and an eventual renewal on the banks of the Roanoke River.
Culture & History
Our coast’s history: From Aguascogoc’s ashes
In 1585, English explorers twice visited a Native American village called Aguascogoc, destroying it on their second stop. Historian David Cecelski traces North Carolina’s coastal tribal legacy.
Historians at OBX event reveal enigmatic Thomas Harriot
He was chosen to be a part of Sir Walter Raleigh’s first expedition, and although little is known about scientist and mathematician Thomas Harriot, his written depictions of the New World say much about the author.
Small, rural Hertford County has an identity all its own
Hertford County is a vibrant, successful county in the otherwise economically challenged region of northeastern North Carolina, writes historian Eric Medlin.
Rural character has defined Gates County for centuries
Its rural character, plantation history and natural beauty make it similar to other northeastern counties such as Chowan, Pasquotank and Camden but has famous residents, plantation homes and a state park.
For some, Pamlico River was part of underground railroad
“Freedom seekers used this river,” says Leesa Jones, executive director of the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum.
‘They have got hold of the Bible’: Beaufort and the Civil War
The letters between an anti-slavery pastor and his daughter give a glimpse of Beaufort during the Civil War era, where escaped and liberated enslaved people could “come out of the shadow of slavery,” David Cecelski writes.
Lost photographs: Remembering NC’s fishing communities
Historian David Cecelski illustrates with a series of photographs life in the 1930s and 1940s fishing communities as well as the man who took the photos, Charles Farrell.
Camden’s history, economy rooted in Great Dismal Swamp
Though Camden is the quietest, most rural county in northeastern North Carolina — mostly known for the Great Dismal Swamp — it is still a fascinating part of the state’s oldest region, writes historian Eric Medlin.
Our Coast’s history: The early days of Bogue Banks
Historian David Cecelski takes readers to the early days of Salter Path, before paved roads, now flanked with hotels and condos, cut through the Bogue Banks village
Upheaval, rebirth cement Pasquotank’s role in NC history
It was Colonial North Carolina’s original political center and the site of an early rebellion — Pasquotank County, its people, history, educational institutions and economy are part of what makes this the regional anchor.
‘Oystering the old way’ exhibit new to Waterfowl Weekend
A new exhibit showing traditional oyster-harvesting methods is on display, just in time for the annual Waterfowl Weekend set for Friday through Sunday at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center on Harkers Island.
Mullet fishermen: A journey from Carteret County to Florida
The Florida fishing village known as Cortez has long been populated by folks with surnames that have for even longer been associated with the Bogue Sound area of North Carolina.
Island centenarian and a pirate shared a name, maybe more
William Howard, who purchased Ocracoke Island back in 1759, had the same name as a notorious pirate who, decades earlier, was Capt. Benjamin Hornigold’s quartermaster and sailed with Blackbeard, but was this mere coincidence or were they one and the same?
More than recipes: ‘Island Born and Bred’ a slice of life
The award-winning cookbook, which was originally intended as a church fundraiser nearly 35 years ago and is now available again, contains not only recipes but also sketches and stories that provide a glimpse of life in a coastal N.C. fishing village that has seen dramatic change.
Black soldiers’ role in Civil War raid gets new recognition
A Civil War raid of Elizabeth City that led to liberation of hundreds of enslaved North Carolinians is set to be commemorated Saturday with the dedication of a new North Carolina highway historical marker.
