Washington in Beaufort County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Washington
North Carolina
| | Harbor District | |
Founded in 1776, the Town of Washington, North Carolina, was the first City in America to be named for General George Washington. Because of this, the city is still occasionally referred to as "Original Washington."
The scars of the Civil War are still visible. Look off to the west and you will see the remains of the Union Army's ship, Picket, jutting from where it blew up on September 6th, 1862. Walking down Main St. you will view the view houses with dates of construction in the 1850's, '60's and '70's, testimony to the fact that the town was burnt by Union troops during their evacuation after the fall of Plymouth, NC. Even more startling are the two houses on Water Street which were built in 1780 and 1795. They stood through the fires and barrages of the war, having cannon balls imbedded in their walls, a bequest of the shelling of the town by the Rebel troops located on the southern shore of the Pamplico River.
Erected by Town of Washington, North Carolina.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is September 6, 1862.
Location. 35° 32.567′ N,
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Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: USS Picket (a few steps from this marker); Hull Anderson (within shouting distance of this marker); Siege of Washington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); African Americans Defend Washington (about 400 feet away); A River Runs Through It
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
