European settlement near the Pamlico River in the 1690s led to the founding of Bath, North Carolina's first town, in 1705. By 1708, Bath had 50 people and 12 houses. It soon became North Carolina's first port. Political rivalries, Indian wars, and piracy marked its early years but in 1746 Bath was considered for the colony's capital. However, when county government moved away in the late 1700s, Bath lost most of its importance and trade. Its original town limits encompass a historic district today. Continued
The Site History
- North Carolina's first town
- Explorer and Bath Co-Founder
- Cary's Rebellion — 1711
- The Tuscarora War — 1711-1715
- Blackbeard, otherwise known as "Edward Teach"
- Bath Town Legends
- The Inspiration for the novel "Show Boat"
- 1769 Bath map
- Thomas Draper Photos, Early 20th-century Bath
Other Resources
What's New?
- The Bath Packett - January 2010
- Local second-graders learn about both gourds and gardening at Historic Bath
The Site Today
Historic Bath Information
Contact Us
Historic Bath
P.O. Box 148
207 Carteret Street
Bath, NC 27808
Phone: (252) 923-3971
Email: bath@ncdcr.gov
Hours of Operation
Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Admission for House Tours
Adults - $2; Students - $1
Includes tours of the Palmer-Marsh and Bonner Houses.