Bath in Beaufort County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Historic Bath
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 10, 2013
1. Historic Bath Marker
Bath, the oldest incorporated town in North Carolina, was established in 1705. By the 1708 the town consisted of twelve houses and a population of fifty people. Among the early inhabitants were John Lawson, Surveyor General of the colony and author of A New Voyage to Carolina, the first history of North Carolina; Christopher Gale, the first Chief Justice of the colony (1712-17,1722-24, 1725-31); Governors Thomas Cary (1705-06, 1708-11) and Charles Eden (1714-1722); and the pirate Edward Teach, known as “Blackbeard.”
The early history of Bath was disturbed by political rivalry, yellow fever epidemics, Indian wars, and piracy. After this period of turbulence ended, the town entered an era of peaceful development. It was a trade center, exporting naval stores, furs, tobacco; seat of government for Beaufort County; and in 1744 and 1752 the meeting place of the General Assembly. The political and economic importance of Bath declined after the Beaufort County seat was moved to the town of Washington in 1785.
Erected 1962. (Marker Number BB-2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1705.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonial Bath (here, next to this marker); Palmer-Marsh House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Public Library (about 500 feet away); James Adams Floating Theatre (about 600 feet away); Matthew Rowan (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Colonial Bath (about 600 feet away); First Post Road (about 700 feet away); Port of Bath and Thomas Harding (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bath.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 10, 2013
2. Historic Bath Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 594 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 12, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
