Officially formed in 1777 from the northeastern portion of Pasquotank County, Camden was named for…read moreCharles Pratt, 1st Earl of Camden, a British politician who opposed the Stamp Act and supported colonial resistance. That symbolic gesture--honoring a British ally of American independence--set the tone for a county that would contribute significantly to the Revolutionary War, with over 400 local men serving in the conflict. The original courthouse--a modest wooden structure--was built in 1782, just five years after Camden County itself was carved from Pasquotank County. That first building stood as a symbol of civic order in a newly independent America, but it was tragically destroyed by fire in the mid-1800s. In 1847, the current red-brick Greek Revival structure was completed on the same site. Its architectural features include a stately portico supported by four massive columns resting on brick piers, a hallmark of the Greek Revival style that was popular in civic architecture of the time. The building has been updated and remodeled a number of times since then, to incorporate a new courtroom, updated facilities and to include HVAC. All of these expansions compliment the original brickwork and preserve the original character of this historic structure. The heritage museum and the historic jail are adjacent and open for tours. [Review 891 of 2025 - 4313 in North Carolina - 24448 overall]

Perquimans County was originally inhabited by the Algonquian-speaking Yeopim and Weapemeoc peoples…read more The name "Perquimans" itself is derived from a Yeopim word meaning "land of beautiful women." These Indigenous communities thrived along the waterways until English and Welsh settlers began arriving in the mid-1600s, gradually displacing them. By 1701, only a handful of Yeopim warriors remained, most having relocated to a reservation in what is now Camden County. A significant Quaker population settled in the area, influencing both its cultural and political life. Their records, preserved in Virginia and North Carolina archives, offer a rich tapestry of marriages, migrations, and community life that span generations. The county itself was officially established in 1672 as one of the original precincts of Albemarle County in the Province of Carolina. The county courthouse was designed by John Gatling and completed in 1825. It is a textbook example of Georgian design, notable for its symmetry, proportion, and restrained ornamentation. The front façade features a one-story pedimented portico supported by molded brick columns, a detail that adds classical gravitas without overwhelming the building's modest scale. As with most counties in the south, there remains a Confederate Soldier memorial. This one includes a context marker as well, which are increasingly popular to provide the rest of the story. [Review 870 of 2025 - 4298 in North Carolina - 24427 overall]

Passing through downtown Plymouth and spotting this lovely home and the marker in front. It is…read moreclearly private property so I did not approach on a Sunday evening. You may want to try that if you're here. The marker reads, "Built by Charles Latham who occupied the house until 1882. Home was occupied for decades by descendants of its builder, a Lawyer, County Sheriff, and State Representative. During the battle of Plymouth, town residents sought protection in the basement. Musket ball holes remain in the house." There is no marker number but it was erected in 1998 by the Washington County Bicentennial Commission. [Review 822 of 2025 - 4252 in North Carolina - 24381 overall]

This marker is in Elizabeth City along the Pasquotank River and points out the history of one of…read moreits citizens who did great things. It is marker number A-61 and it was erected in 1967 by the North Carolina Archives and Highway Departments. The marker has the same text on both sides. It reads, "Negro orator and teacher. A founder and president of Livingstone College. Born in Elizabeth City. House was 2 miles south" Joseph C. Price was born in Elizabeth City to a free mother and enslaved father, and despite a delayed start to formal education, he excelled academically after enrolling in schools in New Bern. He pursued teaching, becoming a principal in Wilson by 1871, and later shifted his focus to ministry, graduating as valedictorian from Lincoln University and completing seminary training in record time. Price emerged as a powerful orator, advocating for prohibition, education, and racial equality, and raised significant funds during a European tour to establish a college for Black students in North Carolina. In 1882, he became president of Zion Wesley College, later renamed Livingstone College, where he gained national recognition and declined prestigious offers to remain committed to the institution. His leadership extended beyond education when he was elected president of the Afro-American League and the National Equal Rights Association in 1890. Tragically, Price died in 1893 from Bright's disease, leaving behind his wife Jennie Smallwood and five children, and was honored with burial on the Livingstone College campus. There is more information online. [Review 995 of 2025 - 4355 in North Carolina - 24549 overall]

This marker is different in that there are two of them. One is located near the courthouse and the…read moreother is across the intersection by the school. They have the same content on them. The same text on both sides of both markers. It reads, "Member provincial congress, 1775; brigadier general of militia in Revolution; member N.C. conventions, 1788-1789. Home is 4 miles southeast." Isaac Gregory, born in 1737 in Pasquotank County rose from county sheriff to Revolutionary War brigadier-general despite having no prior combat experience. A committed public servant, he held various regional posts and led North Carolina militia forces at the Battle of Camden in 1780, where he was severely wounded and briefly captured. Though later accused of treason due to a forged letter, he was exonerated, though suspicions lingered. After the war, Gregory remained active in civic life, serving in the General Assembly, constitutional conventions, and as a trustee and customs official. He died in 1800 at his Fairfax plantation, survived by his wife and six children. [Review 1040 of 2025 - 4367 in North Carolina - 24594 overall]

The only screw-pile lighthouse still standing in North Carolina is the Roanoke River Lighthouse…read morenear Edenton, a unique and durable piece of maritime history. It was constructed in 1886 and lit in 1887 with the intention of directing ships into the Roanoke River from the Albemarle Sound. An inventive answer to the delicate, changing soils of coastal rivers was its distinctive screw-pile foundation, which consisted of steel pilings that were physically screwed into the riverbed. In contrast to the majority of lighthouses of its type, this one was two floors tall and had a lantern tower with a fourth-order Fresnel lens positioned on a corner of the roof instead of in the middle. The Coast Guard sold the lighthouse to Elijah Tate in 1955 after it was discontinued in 1941 because of dwindling river traffic. The building was severely damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, which led to a preservation effort. With the help of the public and private sectors, the Edenton Historical Commission bought it in 2007, relocated it to Colonial Waterfront Park, and repaired it. It now proudly sits on Edenton's port as a museum and a testament to the tenacity of the local community and historical preservation. The lighthouse is free to tour and the "grounds" are accessible 24 hours. It is well worth a stop. I'm only bummed that I wasn't here to see it at sunrise or at sunset as I am sure it is quite magical. [Round number review 24000 overall - 841 of 2025 - 4271 in North Carolina]

Very cute and quaint lighthouse in an amazing part of North Carolina! The history is fascinating,…read morethe building is well-preserved, and the surrounding waterfront views make it a great stop to explore and take photos.

The Chowan County Courthouse was completed in 1767 and is the oldest courthouse still in active use…read morein North Carolina. The courthouse's design is attributed either to John Hawks, architect of Tryon Palace in New Bern, or Gilbert Leigh, a local builder. It features a T-shaped layout with Flemish bond brickwork, a central courtroom, and a second-floor assembly room often referred to as a ballroom. The building has a two-stage wooden cupola with a weathervane atop the structure, reflecting classical British architectural influences. During the Revolutionary era, the courthouse was a hub of political and legal activity. Figures such as Joseph Hewes (a signer of the Declaration of Independence), James Iredell (later a U.S. Supreme Court Justice), and Samuel Johnston (Governor and U.S. Senator) practiced law and held meetings there. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Edenton and well worth a stop. [Review 838 of 2025 - 4268 in North Carolina - 24397 overall]

Tons of history in this building! Very cool to stand on original stone floors that were imported…read morefrom Britain. It's still an active courtroom and we learned that the NC Supreme Court holds court here once in a while. You can walk around freely and sit in the judge's seat which was a cool experience. The guided tour with Lucas was fun and informative.

This stuff is phenomenal! It is beautiful, well deserved, well maintained, and well staffed. The…read moreRoanoke River is absolutely gorgeous and the accompanying grounds are immaculate. There is the Welcome Center there that we went into and the women were total sweethearts. It didn't appear that they got much business because they were very glad to hear that the three of us were all from different cities in Florida so when we signed the register book it was three different cities along with three different names. These women were totally in character for this part of the country and you could feel the butter melt with their warmth and kindness. The National refuge was really unexpected and quite beautiful. It was informational and educational. This was one of the best stops we unexpectedly made on our road trip. Just goes to show you never know what you're going to find when you pull over and stop in to someplace new, no matter where it is in the country. What's a girl to do? Hey, when you're on a road trip you want to stop and see and do everything so take your time and see as much as you can.

The Cashie River Center at the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge is an amazing, little-known…read moreresource in the area. I live just 20 miles away and had overlooked the place. I didn't know what I was missing! It has a nice little museum-type display inside with info about local wildlife--animals and plants. The carry all the science type of stuff that you'd expect, and it fascinated my daughter. The people who work there are volunteers, and they are absolutely knowledgable about the area. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I discovered that they give free nature boat rides in the summer. I will def come back for that when it starts for the season.