Bath County, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bath County, North Carolina
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Former county
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Albemarle and Bath counties (1738)
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| Etymology: John Granville, Earl of Bath | |
 Bath County, North Carolina
Location in North Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| Established | 1696 |
| Extinct | 1739 |
| Seat | Bath Town |
| Precincts | |
Bath County was an old county in the British colony of North Carolina. It existed from 1696 to 1739. This county was named after John Granville, 1st Earl of Bath.
When Bath County was created, it had three main areas called precincts. These were Pamtecough, Wyckham, and Archdale. In 1712, their names were changed to Beaufort, Hyde, and Craven Precincts.
What Happened to Bath County?
Over time, more precincts were added to Bath County. These included Bladen, Onslow, Carteret, and New Hanover. These new areas were created from parts of the older precincts. For example, Carteret Precinct was formed from Craven in 1722. Later, New Hanover was also created from Craven in 1729. Then, Bladen and Onslow were formed from New Hanover in 1734.
In 1739, Bath County was officially ended. All its precincts then became their own separate counties. So, Pamtecough became Beaufort County. Wyckham became Hyde County. Archdale became Craven County. The other precincts also became their own counties: Bladen, Onslow, Carteret, and New Hanover counties.
Blackbeard's Connection
The town of Bath was the main town in Bath County. It is still the oldest town in North Carolina today. This town was a known stopping place for the famous pirate Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach.
Stories say that Blackbeard married a local girl in Bath around 1716. He is believed to have lived in this harbor town for a short time.
