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Arapahoe, North Carolina
Arapahoe.JPG
Location of Arapahoe, North Carolina
Location of Arapahoe, North Carolina
Country United States
State North Carolina
County Pamlico
Founded Circa 1714
Incorporated 1921
Area
 • Total 2.17 sq mi (5.62 km2)
 • Land 2.17 sq mi (5.62 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
75 ft (22.9 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 556
 • Estimate 
(2019)
535
 • Density 246.43/sq mi (95.14/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Code
28510
Area code(s) 252
FIPS code 37-01640
GNIS feature ID 1018839

Arapahoe is a town in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 556. Arapahoe shares many of its roles and duties with Minnesott Beach, North Carolina. It is part of the New Bern, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Arapahoe was founded a few years after New Bern, North Carolina by settlers leaving the New Bern colony. This area was settled in 1703 on the old Indian trail from the big bend in the river heading west to Core Point. The community was called “Bethany Crossroads”. That Indian trail is still in use today but is now called North Carolina Highway 306. In 1886 Bob Hardison, after discussing it with his friend Bob Bowden decided to apply to the U.S. Postal Department for a Post office to be located at “Bethany Crossroads” in Pamlico County. They filled out an application and both signed it. When it was returned to them it was addressed to “Bob’s Town”, the reason being that there was already a “Bethany Crossroads” in the vicinity of Fayetteville. Neither of the Bobs liked “Bob’s Town” so they had to come up with a different name. After a lengthy discussion Bob Hardison said “Well if you have no objection, we will name it after my old white horse, Arapahoe.” So it was decided and a new application filed. It was likely a year or longer before all paperwork was completed, but “Bethany Crossroads” was no more and there by named the Town of Arapahoe.

Geography

Arapahoe is located at 35°1′33″N 76°49′44″W / 35.02583°N 76.82889°W / 35.02583; -76.82889 (35.025914, -76.828860).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2), all of it land.

Arapahoe is located near the mouth of the Neuse River at the Pamlico Sound. From Arapahoe (and through Minnesott Beach), the North Carolina Ferry System has a 20-minute ferry ride from Minnesott Beach to Cherry Branch. This ferry ride leads to Havelock, North Carolina, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, and Beaufort, North Carolina.

A project currently under consideration is a bridge that would span the Neuse River connecting Minnesott Beach to Havelock. This project, on the state of North Carolina transportation hotspots, was recently pushed back into holding status while other projects are re-arranged to better use the new revised budget.

Though not within the city limits, there are sub-regions of Arapahoe. These areas include Holt's Chapel, Kershaw, Janerio, Dawson's Creek, Taylor's Neck, and Cash Corner. Dawson's Creek area is the basis for Kevin Williamson's WB television show.

Transportation

The major means for transportation in Arapahoe is by car. There are currently no taxi service, mass transportation, or airline service within the Araphoe geographic district. The closest airport to Arapahoe is Craven Regional Airport, serviced by American Airlines with eight times daily service to Charlotte. Delta Connection has service to Atlanta with twice daily service (three times daily summer service). Ferry service is also available from the North Carolina Ferry System with service from Minnesott Beach to Cherry Branch / Havelock every 20 minutes.

Arapahoe TownHall
Arapahoe Town Hall and Fire Department

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1930 290
1940 307 5.9%
1950 273 −11.1%
1960 274 0.4%
1970 212 −22.6%
1980 467 120.3%
1990 430 −7.9%
2000 436 1.4%
2010 556 27.5%
2019 (est.) 535 −3.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census of 2000, there were 436 people, 188 households, and 128 families residing in the town. The population density was 199.4 people per square mile (76.9/km2). There were 214 housing units at an average density of 97.9 per square mile (37.7/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 89.91% White, 6.19% African American, 0.23% Native American, 1.15% Asian, 2.52% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.50% of the population.

There were 188 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 20.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 31.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,813, and the median income for a family was $44,167. Males had a median income of $38,750 versus $25,179 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,073. About 7.6% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.0% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over. Arapahoe currently has a tax rate of $0.05/$100.

New Developments

New Developments in Arapahoe include the following:

Neuse River Arapahoe
Neuse River in Arapahoe near Camp Don Lee

1. Shareheart Community developments along the Neuse River and Dawsons Creek (Cribbs Cove). These developments are private, small communities built on the comforts that the Neuse River can provide.

2. A new housing community located at Dawson's Creek called Shine Landing. This development contains 96 lots with several being waterfront. This development is currently selling and nearly sold out.

3. A new housing community located at Dawson's Creek called Dawsons Landing. This development is currently in pre-sale with over 100 lots available.

4. A new housing community located on Hwy 306S in Arapahoe. The development, called Arlington Place, is located on the Burts Farm Development and will contain as many as 1200 homes, boat docks, and a community center. Currently Phase 1 of Arlington Place has been sold to the 80% mark.

5. A water path has been developed for kayakers and paddlers to traverse the rivers, streams, and sounds of Pamlico County. Pamlico Paddle recently announced a fall event on October 20, 2007 where paddlers enjoy the paddle paths around Pamlico County. During the 2005 event, over 75 paddlers joined the event.

6. A Medical and Retail center is being developed at the old Arapahoe Elementary School building.

7. Other current developments include a gas/convenience store and a hotel in Minnesott Beach.

8. A new residential community located on Baird Creek (also known as Beards Creek) called Baird Creek Point. This development has approximately 40 home sites including waterfront and interior lots, a ten slip community marina and a community center. Most waterfront lots are currently sold.


Education

Public Education
Arapahoe has education opportunities available for children grades Kindergarten through High School. Arapahoe Charter School was opened in 1997 to replace Arapahoe Elementary School. There are currently 560 students enrolled, with 40 teachers available. Arapahoe Charter School has a student:teacher ratio of 14:1.

Arapahoe Charter School is currently a K-12 school housed in a new $9 million facility opening for the 2018-19 school year.

Arapahoe is also home to the Don Lee Center, a Methodist founded center for camping and recreation as well as for renowned public environmental education.

Higher Education
For Higher Education, Pamlico Community College (PCC) allows for associate degrees in many areas. From PCC, one can transfer to East Carolina University to complete a bachelors and graduates degree. PCC is located only minutes from Arapahoe along NC Highway 306.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Arapahoe (Carolina del Norte) para niños

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