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Scranton, North Carolina
Scranton, North Carolina is located in North Carolina
Scranton, North Carolina
Scranton, North Carolina
Location in North Carolina
Scranton, North Carolina is located in the United States
Scranton, North Carolina
Scranton, North Carolina
Location in the United States
Country United States
State North Carolina
County Hyde
Elevation
0 ft (0 m)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
27875
Area code(s) 252
GNIS feature ID 94440

Scranton is a small place in Hyde County, North Carolina, in the United States. It is known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it is part of the larger county's administration.

Scranton is located along U.S. Route 264, a main road that connects different areas. It is also close to the Pungo River, which is a beautiful natural feature. The community is about 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) northwest of Swan Quarter, another community in Hyde County. Scranton has its own post office and a ZIP code of 27875.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a group of homes and businesses that are not officially part of a city or town. They do not have their own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of services like roads, police, and fire protection.

How are Unincorporated Communities Different?

  • Local Government: Cities and towns have their own local governments that make rules and provide services. Unincorporated communities rely on the county government for these things.
  • Services: Services like water, sewer, and trash collection might be provided by the county or by private companies. In cities, these are usually managed by the city government.
  • Taxes: Residents in unincorporated areas pay county taxes, but they don't pay city taxes.

Geography of Scranton

Scranton is situated in a coastal plain region of North Carolina. This area is generally flat and close to water bodies like rivers and sounds. The Pungo River, which is nearby, flows into the Pamlico Sound, a large body of water connected to the Atlantic Ocean.

What is the Pungo River?

The Pungo River is a slow-moving river in eastern North Carolina. It is important for the local environment and wildlife. Many different types of plants and animals live in and around the river.

How Does Geography Affect Life in Scranton?

Being close to the Pungo River and the coast means that Scranton's weather can be influenced by the water. It might experience milder winters and humid summers. The flat land is also good for farming, which is a common activity in many parts of eastern North Carolina.

History of Hyde County

Scranton is part of Hyde County, which has a rich history. Hyde County was formed in 1705 and was originally called Wickham Precinct. It was renamed Hyde Precinct in 1712, likely after Edward Hyde, who was the Governor of North Carolina at the time.

Early Settlers and Economy

The early economy of Hyde County, and by extension areas like Scranton, was based on farming, fishing, and timber. People used the rivers and sounds for transportation and trade. The fertile land was good for growing crops.

How Did Communities Like Scranton Develop?

Many small communities like Scranton grew up around important roads, rivers, or places where people gathered for trade or services. The post office in Scranton shows that it was a recognized place where people lived and needed mail services.

Life in Scranton Today

Scranton remains a quiet, rural community. People living there often enjoy the peaceful environment and the natural beauty of the area. While it doesn't have a large population, it is a place where people have built their homes and lives.

What is a ZIP Code?

A ZIP code is a system of postal codes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The word "ZIP" stands for Zone Improvement Plan. These codes help the post office sort mail quickly and deliver it to the correct address. Scranton's ZIP code is 27875.

See also

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