Beaufort was first called Pamptecough, the name being changed about 1712. It was named for Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort, who in 1709 became one of the Lords Proprietors. It is in the eastern section of the State and is bounded by Craven, Hyde, Martin, Pamlico, Pitt, and Washington counties. The present land area is 827.49 square miles and the 1990 population was 42,283. Bath, incorporated in 1705, was the first county seat. Washington was made the county seat in 1785.

Local Attractions and Events

Belhaven Memorial Museum -- is located in the Belhaven City Hall, which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum began as a private collection by Mrs. Eva Blount Way around the turn of the century. What began as a collection of buttons, grew to include dressed fleas, old coins, shells, early American kitchenware, coffee mills, furniture, old farming tools, Civil War guns, World War I helmets, boots, etc. It's like browsing in grandmother's attic. Open daily except Wednesday, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, and other times by appointment. Call 919-943-2242, 943-3055 or 943-6817. Closed on major holidays. (Tri-County Telephone)

The Old Atlantic Coastline Railroad Station and Washington Civic Center -- is located in the City of Washington. This restored depot is available for all community events on a rental basis. (Phone 252--975-9316).

Aurora Fossil Museum -- contains a wide variety of fossils uncovered in the process of mining phosphate by PCS Phosphate (formerly Texasgulf, Inc.) in eastern Beaufort County. The sharks' teeth and other fossils reveal many facts about the formation of this area. The museum is a joint project of PCS and the Town of Aurora.

Calendar of Annual Events

April --Terra Ceia Dutch Festival

May --Engelhard--Seafood Festival (Call 925-5201)

May --Aurora--Fossil Festival (Call 322-5587)

June --Plymouth--Riverfest '98 (Call 793-4804)

July 4--Belhaven--Parade and Festivities (Call 943-3770)

July --Washington--Summer Festival (Call Chamber of Commerce)

September --Belhaven--Crab Festival

December --Christmas Parades in Bath, Belhaven, and Washington