Bath, the Town

The oldest town in North Carolina was established in 1705, but the area had settlers as early as the 1690's. Bath developed an early trade in pitch, tar, etc. for the shipping industry; furs; and tobacco. These sought-after items were shipped from their port at the mouth of the Pamlico River. By 1708, Bath had about 50 people. The people there didn't have it easy, however. They battled rampant disease, problems with the Tuscarora Indians, drought, piracy, and political rivalries.

The famous pirate, Blackbeard, made his home there for a while in 1718, and his ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, roamed the waters for years. Between 1747 and 1762, the well-known evangelist, George Whitefield, visited the town four times to preach some of his Great Awakening sermons.

Edna Ferber's novel, Showboat, which also became a movie, is set in Bath. Today, Bath remains more of a village. Located in Beaufort County, it has about 250 people. Yet, its historical presence and quaint charm make it well worth visiting.

Contact information:

Historic Bath, P.O. Box 148, 207 Carteret Street, Bath, NC 27808
252-923-3971
bath@ncdcr.gov
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm
Admission $2 adults & $1 students for each of the Palmer Marsh and Bonner Houses

________________________________________________________________