Elizabeth City in Pasquotank County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Pasquotank River

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2012

1. Pasquotank River Marker

Inscription.
The Pasquotank River was noted in 35 runaway slave ads between 1791 to 1840, indicating that slaves (“freedom seekers”) escaped on board boats (“vessels”) traveling north to free territory or south to the West Indies, confirming that Underground Railroad operations were active in the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County region of northeast North Carolina. These activities involved a network of free and enslaved African Americans, many being seamen themselves, working with citizens of other races and occupations to arrange safe passage. The Pasquotank River is the first river in the country to receive an Underground Railroad Network designation.

Designated September 15, 2004

Erected by National Underground Railroad Network to Fredom. (Marker Number 2004.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Network to Freedom series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1791.

Location. 36° 17.827′ N, 76° 13.074′ W. Marker is in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in Pasquotank County. It can be reached from the intersection of South Water Street and East Ehringhaus Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 S Water St, Elizabeth City NC 27909, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

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: A Town Divided (here, next to this marker); Battle of Elizabeth City (here, next to this marker); Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (within shouting distance of this marker); J. C. B. Ehringhaus (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joseph C. Price (about 300 feet away); Culpeper’s Rebellion (about 500 feet away); Rev. Edward M. Forbes (about 500 feet away); Illegal Liquor in the Albemarle Sound Region (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth City.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 14, 2025

2. Pasquotank River Marker

The marker has weathered but remains generally legible.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2012

3. Pasquotank River Marker

Elizabeth City Waterfront Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher

4. Elizabeth City Waterfront Park

Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 900 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 26, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on June 26, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on June 25, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.