Beaufort County Northside Regional Water

Beaufort County Northside Regional Water Municipal Water Report Info
Similar to many coastal regions, Beaufort County (originally designated as Pamptecough Precinct) emerged from the larger Bath County in 1705. By 1712, the area received its official name, attributed to Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort, one of North Carolina's Lords Proprietors.

Although Beaufort was formally established in the early 18th century, the region's history extends beyond the county's founding. British explorers traversed what is now Beaufort County, encountering Tuscarora Indians and establishing permanent settlements by the 1690s. One such settlement evolved into Bath, the state's first incorporated town.

Over time, settlements developed into towns, thriving largely due to access to protected waters. Several towns of historical significance can be found in Beaufort County. Washington, the county seat, honors President George Washington and once boasted a thriving shipbuilding industry and busy port. Washington remains the cultural and economic hub of the county.

Bath, established in 1705, holds distinction as North Carolina's oldest town, first capital, and served as a port of entry during the early 18th century. Chocowinity functioned as the Norfolk Southern Railway's railroad center beginning in 1910. Other towns in Beaufort County include Aurora, Belhaven, Pantego, River Road, and Washington Park.