Pasquotank River facts for kids
The Pasquotank River is a waterway located in northeastern North Carolina, United States. It flows between Camden County and Pasquotank County. This river connects directly to the Albemarle Sound, a large estuary.
The Pasquotank River is also an important part of the Intracoastal Waterway. This is a long path of connected rivers, canals, and bays that ships and boats can use. It passes through Elizabeth City, a town on the river.
Machelhe Island is a small island located right in the Pasquotank River.
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The Pasquotank River's Past
The name "Pasquotank" comes from an old word, pashetanki. This word is from the Algonquian people, who were Native Americans. It means "where the current forks," which describes how the river flows.
Early Importance and Trade
During the time when America was still a group of colonies, the Pasquotank River became very important. It was a busy place for trade and shipping. Goods were moved along the river, helping the local economy grow.
The Battle of Elizabeth City
The Pasquotank River was also a site of a battle during the American Civil War. This was the Battle of Elizabeth City. During this fight, a small group of Confederate ships tried to defend the city. However, they were sunk in the river.
The Confederate ships lost in this battle were the CSS Black Warrior, CSS Fanny, CSS Sea Bird, and the CSS Appomattox. This event showed the river's strategic importance during the war.
Industries Along the River
For many years, several main industries used the Pasquotank River. Transporting goods by boat was a big business. Logging, which is cutting down trees and moving them, also happened here. People also harvested oysters from the river.
Since the 1900s, the river has become less important for big businesses. More ships now use the Intracoastal Waterway through Coinjock. Today, the Pasquotank River is mostly used by people who enjoy boating for fun.
