Pamlico River facts for kids
The Pamlico River is a special kind of river in North Carolina, United States. It's a tidal river, which means its water levels go up and down with the ocean's tides. This river flows into a large body of water called Pamlico Sound. The Pamlico River starts where two smaller waterways, the Tar River and Tranters Creek, meet.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Early People and Settlers
Long ago, the Tuscarora people lived along the Pamlico River. They were a Native American tribe. They had lived in North Carolina for a very long time before Europeans arrived.
As more settlers came, tensions grew between the groups. This led to the Tuscarora War from 1711 to 1715. The Tuscarora were defeated in this war. Many Tuscarora people moved north to New York. Others who stayed in North Carolina were moved to a special area in Bertie County, North Carolina.
European Arrivals
Later, settlers from England, Ireland, and Scotland moved to this area. They came from Virginia looking for cheaper land. Some German and Swiss settlers also moved here from New Bern, North Carolina.
These settlers built towns like Washington and Bath. The famous pirate Blackbeard once lived and worked from Bath. He was later pardoned by Governor Charles Eden.
Many settlers grew tobacco in the Pamlico and Tar River area. Growing tobacco needed a lot of work. So, many enslaved people from Africa were brought to work on these farms.
The Civil War Era
The Pamlico River was very important during the American Civil War. It was a key place for military control. A Union warship called the USS Picket sank in this river.
Today, the U.S. Route 17 Bridge crosses the river. This bridge connects Washington, North Carolina with Chocowinity. West of this bridge, the river is called the Tar River.
The Pamlico River Today
The Pamlico River is still very active. While large cargo ships no longer use it, hundreds of smaller boats travel on it each year. It is a very popular place for fishing. Tobacco farming also continues on the land near the river.
The river has faced some environmental challenges. Around the year 2000, there were many fishkills. State officials still advise caution when eating shellfish from the river. Even with these challenges, the Pamlico River is a beautiful tidal river. It is home to many different water animals and plants. The river has been important to people for thousands of years, from the first Native Americans to today's communities.
See also
In Spanish: Río Tar/Pamlico para niños
